Former Director of Media Operations of the International Olympic Committee: China's ability to host competitions is impressive. Beijing | Media | Ability
During the 31st Summer Universiade in Chengdu, Anthony Edgar, former director of media operations at the International Olympic Committee, was interviewed by reporters. The media operations expert who collaborated with China at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, 2014 Nanjing Youth Olympics, and 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics exclaimed that China's ability to host international sports events is impressive.
Anthony first came to Beijing in 2003 and has traveled back and forth to China more than 40 times in the past 20 years. Recalling China's preparation for the 2008 Olympics, he said that Beijing made a lot of efforts to successfully host the Olympics at that time.
Over the past decade, China has undergone tremendous changes. "By the 2022 Winter Olympics, Beijing has become very mature. Beijing hosted a stunning Winter Olympics," Anthony said. During his visit to Chengdu, he also felt the level of competition and enthusiasm for the Universiade, and praised the world-class venues, lush greenery, and beautiful cityscape here.
The improvement of air quality in China is another change that left a deep impression on Anthony. He said that the Chinese government has made great efforts to rectify air pollution and shut down many high energy consuming and low energy efficiency enterprises. "This is not just for a certain event, but truly for the people."
On July 31st, Anthony Edgar, former director of media operations at the International Olympic Committee, took photos during a night tour of Chengdu. Video screenshot
Nowadays, China is rapidly moving forward on the path of low-carbon and green development. Anthony said that various brands of electric cars are speeding on the streets of China, and he once saw a huge electric vehicle charging parking lot, "larger than any charging parking lot I have ever seen in Sydney.".
As a senior photographer, Anthony went to Xizang three times to shoot. Relevant experience made him feel the depth and breadth of Chinese path to modernization. He recalled that many years ago, his team arrived at the headquarters of Mount Everest and he was worried about how to communicate with the outside world and how to send back photos. Unexpectedly, at that time, the headquarters of Mount Everest already had 4G network, which was even faster than the network I used in Sydney, Australia, but it was on Mount Everest!
![Former Director of Media Operations of the International Olympic Committee: China's ability to host competitions is impressive. Beijing | Media | Ability](https://a5qu.com/upload/images/2854776ad9d422e8c7ea39035724a496.jpg)
During the interview, Anthony also repeatedly exclaimed about the vastness of China. He told reporters that whenever he sees endless cities on airplanes and strolls on the streets where traditional culture and modern facilities complement each other, he is always amazed.
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Editing: Jiang Haoran, Zhang Can, Li Linyin
Jointly produced by Xinhua News Agency, International Department, Sports Department, Sichuan Branch
Special thanks: Chengdu Radio and Television International Communication Center