04 August 2008

GPPi Research Associate interviewed on Beijing Olympics and Chinese sports policy

GPPi Research Associate Björn Conrad discussed the Beijing Olympics, Chinese sports policy and the Chinese system for elite sports in an interview with the Berner Zeitung (Switzerland). In the interview, published on the 2 August 2008 issue of the newspaper, Conrad explained how the Chinese leadership created a very focused and strategic system of elite sports, specifically targeted towards political gains in form of international reputation, political legitimacy and national unity. He described how, after more than a century of national humiliation and shattered national self-understanding, elite sports in China advanced to become an important source of national self-confidence and a focal point of Chinese national identity during the last decades.

Conrad illustrated the workings of the extensive, centralized and hierarchical system of talent scouting and elite sport education through a wide network of elite sport schools spreading to all parts of the country. Established during the early 1960s, the Chinese elite sports system, closely following the Soviet example, provided an extremely effective way of discovering sporting talents, tapping into the immense pool of potential athletes provided by China's large population. Initially, however, the system failed to produce internationally competitive athletes due to lack of financial resources and advanced training technology as well as political incentives. With the beginning of the opening and reform era, resources for the promotion of elite sports became available while at the same time the political dividend of successful sports heroes increased enormously. The combination of communist-style organization, financial resources and western training technology, as well as clear political incentives proved to be an immensely successful mix. China turned into a sports giant within two decades.

During the interview, Conrad also discusses other influential aspects of Chinese sports development like the role of doping, the influence of Chinese martial arts traditions highlighting body control and mental focus, as well as social perspectives towards hardship and endurance as necessary prerequisites for success. He closed with the remark that the Beijing Olympics represent a unique chance for many people around the world to learn to understand China on a more substantiated level, moving beyond the prevalent stereotypes and preconceptions.

To read the interview please click here.

For more information please contact Björn Conrad.

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