Luc Richard, gives his impression from Chongqing, in Eastern Sichuan.

If we take the example of the Internet and censorship, then we may say that China has also won in economic terms. Global giants like Yahoo and Google have folded to Beijing's request that censorship be applied throughout the country. Yet, if we look at China as a constitutional state, then the Games have brought no progress; in fact, things have got worse.

Thus, in Beijing, a man named Ye GuoZhu was imprisoned for protesting against the demolition of his restaurant by property developers commissioned to build new sites for the Olympics.

In theory, one is allowed to stage a protest in Beijing. Yet, when Ye GuoZhu applied for authorisation he suggested some 10,000 protesters would be taking part. He was therefore arrested, much to the dismay of people close to him. Indeed, during his trial, a large rally was staged outside the court to condemn his arrest.

This led to a second ruling, whereby he was sentenced to four years in jail for prompting popular gatherings designed to disturb public order. Of course, in no way did he intend to topple the government. He was merely seeking to defend his rights.

For years we've been bamboozled by the IOC, promising that China would open up and evolve thanks to the Games. However, the Olympics are just another tool used to comfort the Chinese Communist Party's model of government.

As for the medal haul - I don't think China will win that either. Judging by sporting results for the year 2007, Havas came up with the following table: United States, Russia and China.

During the last Games, we may say China was lucky to meet the USA in a number of finals. But this is unlikely to happen again. This year, China could arrive second as it is competing at home. The host nation tends to win an extra 15% to 20% medals.

However, one mustn't forget that the Chinese only started investing in competitive sport in the 1980s. China's sports model is still based on the East German one, whereby Olympic Games are designed to show the supremacy of a political system.

 

 

 

So China will only aim for gold. Silver and bronze do not count for the medal race. Besides, the Chinese usually win more gold than silver and bronze medals. It's what we call a reverse pyramid (generally nations like the US or France tend to have a balanced number of different colours) but it reveals their fragility.

Chinese coaches say it all when they declare not to hope too much as the deception can be big. That's why the authority did not promise too much.

Today, high profile sport reflects the obsession of our times: efficiency at any cost. We are living in a system where records must be broken. The stakes have changed since the times of Pierre de Coubertin. High profile sport is highly rationalized, particularly in training sessions that become increasingly technical. We seek performance at any cost in spite of the limited capacity of the human body.

In China, we have the example of Yao Ming, who is a product of eugenics. His parents, both tall basketball players, were forced by the State to breed and give birth to a basketball player.

Thisis no better than the use of performance enhancers, which is widely spread amongst US athletes. At this game, China can match the US, but it's definitely not a victory for sport. That's why everyone has already lost."

Chinese writer and poet Qiu Xialong has lived in the United States since 1987. He talks about China's medal chances.

I think China will have a better chance to win more medals this year as they count more athletes in their delegation, being the host country. I think these Games are a great opportunity for the Chinese. It is an occasion to turn to the West. Some websites on internet were authorized so the Chinese will be able to read articles written abroad on the Games. That will help them to understand themselves.

On the other hand, politics should not mix with the Olympics. We cannot expect immediate changes in every fields. Doping for example is now more exposed in the media than it used to be. Fifteen years ago, no one talked about it.

Concerning pollution, I was in Beijing last March and I can't say I was breathing pure air. But for the Games, the government worked on that and made a lot of effort. It ‘s not enough, it shouldn't stop after the Games. Olympics in Beijing are really positive for the whole country but we should not expect changes overnight. It will take years.