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The Legacy Of The Olympics In China

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Women perform a fan dance during a ceremony of a government campaign to promote physical exercises at Beijing's Olympic Forest Park in China. (AP)
Women perform a fan dance during a ceremony of a government campaign to promote physical exercises at Beijing's Olympic Forest Park in China. (AP)

London is marking the start of the "one-year countdown" to the opening of the 2012 Olympic games.

The last Olympics in Beijing were praised as "truly exceptional" by Olympic officials-- with spectacular ceremonies, magnificent firework displays and fierce sporting competition.

When London bid to host the 2012 games, special attention was given to the legacy it would leave for the city.

According to some estimates, Beijing spend up to $40 billion hosting the events, and Beijing went on a building binge-roadways, subways, along with Olympic venues.

Chinese sports commentator Yen Chang said the Olympics opened China up to the world, while changing the view of people inside the country.

"Beijing 2008 will always be remembered as a national confidence boost," he said.

Guests:

  • Martin Patience, BBC reporter in Beijing

This segment aired on August 1, 2011.

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