With the XXIX Olympiad in Beijing almost underway, fans are eagerly anticipating how Canadian athletes will perform at what might be one of the most significant Olympic Games of our generation.

In an effort to show the world they are a progressive society with great economic power, China has promised to pull off these Games without a hitch. Major attempts have been made to clean up Beijing, and the athletic venues that have been constructed are spectacular - but there are still concerns about algae, air pollution, traffic congestion and media freedom that may stand in the way of Beijing's presentation of the Games.

Gemini Award winner and CBC Sports veteran Scott Russell will host Olympic Morning, alongside Diana Swain, everyday during CBC's coverage of the Beijing Games, from August 8 - 24. Russell, who is covering his ninth Olympic Games, has already spent time in the ancient city and understands the magnitude of these Olympic Games and what it means for China.

"Because of the political, economic and social backdrop surrounding the Games in Beijing, there will be a tremendously vibrant atmosphere" says Russell. "With 17 million people in the city and 1.3 billion people in the country, the magnitude of the People’s Republic of China will be startling to viewers of the Olympics around the world. The Olympics are the greatest recurring spectacle on the planet and being in China will magnify that reality."

Five-time Olympic medallist Clara Hughes will be in Beijing attending her first Olympic Games as an analyst for CBC – rather than a competitor. An Olympian in both the Summer (cycling) and Winter (speed skating) Games, Hughes stresses that despite the hype surrounding China, the athletes, competition and overall spirit of the Games are what makes the Olympics the greatest spectacle in the world.

"With the political attention these Games are garnering, it is my hope that athletes are focused on their own events and the Olympic Motto: Swifter, Higher, Stronger." said Hughes. "I have always been inspired by the ethics and the potential of the Olympics in terms of bringing people together, having respect for one another and fair play. I hope that people can see how the challenges these athletes face parallel the struggle of humanity. It is the intense personal stories and outpouring of emotion that grip me during the Games."

Along with an intense effort to prepare Beijing for the Olympics, China has also invested heavily in their athletes after the start of Project 122, a program named after the number of gold medals offered in sports with multiple events and weight classes.

"China’s sport ministry has been gearing its sports machine up for these Games since 2001," said Russell. "It will be interesting to see if the Chinese team is able to claim 122 medals in their home country, and also, I’m curious as to how these ambitions affect our Canadian athletes."

"The Chinese sporting system is intense but at the same time fascinating," said Hughes. If they can pull off what they are planning in terms of medals, the Chinese will make history. I will be watching closely to see how these well-tuned athletes react to the monumental pressure they face."

Both Olympic broadcasters are looking forward to watching Canada's top amateur athletes on the world's largest stage. "The Canadian Olympic Committee's projected medal target is ambitious, but these athletes bring some great stories of courage and determination to Beijing that should have Canadians excited," said Russell. "2004 Olympic floor gymnastics champion Kyle Shewfelt has made an incredible comeback and is looking to repeat his gold medal performance in Athens after suffering two broken knees last summer. Also, Olympic kayaking champion Adam van Koeverden can become the first Canadian summer Olympian to successfully defend his individual gold medal title in the K1–500 m race."

Hughes, winner of two Olympic bronze medals in the cycling road race and time trial events at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta is naturally most excited for the cycling events. "My favourite sport is cycling. In fact, I will be bringing my bike and stationary trainer with me to keep up my speed skating training for Vancouver 2010." As well as having success at the summer Olympic Games, Hughes is also a three-time winter Olympic speed-skating medalist. She will defend her 5000m gold medal in Vancouver.

"As long as I have been an athlete, one of my goals has been to share my insights with the public about the sports I am passionate about. I am hoping my analysis for the cycling events educates viewers about the intricacies of the sport and gets them as excited about cycling as I am."

Catch Scott Russell and Clara Hughes during CBC’s comprehensive coverage of Beijing 2008: The Olympic Games, from August 8 to 24. For a complete broadcast schedule, log on to: cbcsports.ca/Olympics.

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Contact:
James Lamont
james.lamont@mediaprofile.com
Phone: 416-342-1818