Good impression

The volunteers for the 2008 Games impressed the world. Hu said he received a great deal of help from them, and their smiles helped him when he competed as an athlete.

He added that as China develops rapidly, its people have become more open and confident. Their understanding of the volunteers' roles has also deepened since the 2008 Games, making many Chinese realize the importance of such work for the first time. Now, it has become common practice for people to act as volunteers in different social sectors in China.

"Besides showing their enthusiasm, I believe the volunteers for the 2022 Winter Olympics will be more considerate and professional. Furthermore, I hope they can benefit from their experience and achieve personal gains while forming the backbone for the Games," Hu said.

Gao Shang, a volunteer who provided services for spectators at the Bird's Nest during the 2008 Games, cheered for Hu as the athlete took part in his 100-m sprint heat.

Now an English-language teacher at Hebei Medical University, Gao has been preparing students since 2019 to become volunteers for the 2022 Games, where they will provide medical care and assist in doping tests at events staged in Zhangjiakou, Hebei province.

"The students' eyes lit up when I shared my experience of the 2008 Olympics during their training sessions. Many of them were in primary school when these Games took place," Gao said.

She added that the 2008 Olympics changed her life. "They broadened my horizon. After seeing the leaders and athletes from different countries in person, I no longer have an abstract understanding of the world. I've also learned how to perform under pressure, which is a great advantage."

Due to her experience as an Olympic volunteer, Gao said she knows the responsibilities shouldered by such workers.

"I often remind the students that their behavior and professionalism not only matter to the volunteer team but also to the world's perception of China," she said.

Gao added that the new volunteers face greater challenges because of COVID-19 control measures and extreme weather conditions at snow sports venues, but they are fully prepared.

She and fellow volunteers from the 2008 Games have become firm friends. Gao said her colleagues feel proud to see her mentoring the new recruits.

"As the 2022 Games approach, our memories and passion return to the 2008 Olympics, which taught us a lot. Now, it's my students' turn to join the Olympics, and they can always rely on me for support," Gao said.

On Feb 4, the opening ceremony for Beijing 2022 will be broadcast around the world from the Bird's Nest.

Zhang Yimou, chief director for the ceremony, said he never expected to become the first person to direct the Summer and Winter Games and join the ranks of "dual-Olympic talent".

At the 2008 Games, Zhang presented one of the most iconic opening ceremonies in Olympic history.

Yiannis Exarchos, CEO of Olympic Broadcasting Services, said the opening ceremony for this year's Games will be very different from that in 2008, but equally impressive, and should not be missed.

Zhang Yimou said in a recent interview: "I was thrilled to learn I would become a 'dual-Olympic director'. It's different now. China's status in the world, the image of the Chinese, and the rise of our national status－everything has totally changed."

Due to the pandemic, the world needs a new and strengthened vision, with people uniting globally to face difficulties and look forward to a brighter future, he said, referring to the Olympic motto, which has added the word "Together" to "Faster, Higher, Stronger."

"I hope to make a good impression and create some wonderful moments that will go down in history. I want to showcase Chinese people's confidence, pride, love and affection for the people of the world－our great philosophy and values," he added.