Goodbye Beijing, Hello London

The 16-day Games finally came to an end with China topping at the medal tally with 51 golds and 100 medals. It has helped so many countries and individuals to achieve their pursuits and realise their dreams, making the Games a unforgettable one. Michael Phelps realised his 8-medal promise, Team Singapore got its first Olympic medal in 48 years--a Silver in female table-tennis, and numerous Chinese athletes who were unknown to the world before the Games dazzled the world with their can-do attitude and consummate sporting skills. A column writer of LianHe ZaoBao wrote that "every athlete is Superman, X-Man..." Indeed! What they have gone through is not only a challenge of their abilities, but also a challenge of their minds. The pressure they feel, the courage they take, the long path they go through are far more than what we can perceive. When they reach the finishing line with a lightening speed, dive from 3-meter board with a beautiful arch, jump down the balance-beam with a spectacular stretch of body, we shout, we marvel, we roar. Within themselves, there was far more than the pride and glory, it is a long way that they have determined to go years before and a long way they will keep going on in future.

One incident which have caused a lot of anguish to millions of Chinese was Liu Xiang's quitting from the 110-meter hurdle race. The tendon injury which has plague him for years made it impossible for him to complete the race, even in the preliminary round... even in the heat-up. A lot of netizens blamed him for not being able to live up to the reputation of "Flying Man" and even regarded this as a sign of the collapse of his career. While feeling sorry for him, I really understand his agony and the pressure he was taking. I understand his sorrow when he realised this race was no longer a sure-win one. I understand his courage to hold on and take the last stake. I understand his fear when he was welcomed by the audience with applause and cheers when he stepped into the stadium. I believe he will prove to the world again that his quitting will not be a stigma in his career but a stepping stone to the greater glory.

Another event to note was the table-tennis final between China and Singapore. I know from the massive media coverage that the whole Singaporeans are waiting for this moment to come. I also know that all Chinese are sure that women's table-tennis team will not fail to get this gold. Then I was in the dilemma because I could not give either team complete support or cheer either team without feeling pity for the other. The next day was Physics CT2, yet I was in front of the computer on time to capture this historical match. The online remarks were on and I became one of the "passerbys". The majority of the critics were Chinese since it was a Chinese website, however I observed that quite a lot of Chinese did not blame Team Singapore for using Chinese players to gain the glory. Though they feel sour by seeing Liu Guodong being the coach of Team Singapore while his brother Liu Guoliang trains Team China, they are able to overcome the blind nationalism and promote the spirits of the Games. It was a touching moment when a critic left the message "Cheer for both China and Singapore, both of them are winners."

The Games ended in a cheerful way though it was less impressive than the Opening Ceremony. In this grand party, mayor of Beijing handed over the Olympic flag to the London counterpart. The double-deck bus brought London into the stage of Olympics and Beckham's football became the symbollization of "invitation from London".

Now, it is time to say "goodbye" to Beijing and "hello" to London. We anticipate a successful 2012 London Games that will create more miracles.