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Watch China’s preparation for the world’s biggest sporting event - Ultimate Olympics

Media News
New Delhi, June 26

The spirit of competition and the mounting excitement surrounding the 2008 Olympic Games is galvanising everyone involved in the elite sport all over the world. As the world watches and all of China mobilises for Beijing 2008, Discovery Channel will present astonishing stories of how this nation of more than a billion people is gearing up for this spectacular event.

Premiering on Monday, July 14th at 9 pm, Discovery Channel’s four-part series Ultimate Olympics takes a look at the innovation, endeavour and commitment that China and her athletes are pouring into hosting and participating in the world’s biggest sporting event. The series draws a portrait of a city - and a nation - undergoing extreme makeover and will highlight their high-tech athletic preparation, construction of innovative and friendly infrastructures and use of science and technology to combat foreseeable challenges.

As the host city, Beijing’s mission is to set the stage for an Olympics that would be technologically robust, green and distinctively Chinese. Creating the Olympic city isn’t just about grand designs; it is as much about real challenges like pollution, weather, road congestion and language barrier. Viewers will discover their utmost resolve and passion to host the most memorable Olympic Games.

Speaking at the launch, Rajiv Bakshi, Director – Marketing, Discovery Networks India said, “Ultimate Olympics demonstrates how and why the 2008 Olympics Games will be unique and spectacular. Viewers will witness how modern day science and technology has been used to build next generation infrastructures, manage nature, combat traffic jams, terrorism and even language barriers. Also, discover Olympic hopefuls and their preparation, strengthened by an army of scientists and coaches.”
What makes a gold medallist? This is the ultimate puzzle posed to China’s athletes who are gunning for gold in the name of sporting excellence, national pride and Olympic history. Since 1988, China has steadily climbed up the Olympic medal table. In Athens, China finished second just behind the United States. But at Beijing 2008, China wants the number one spot. But how is she doing to claim the first place? Ultimate Olympics goes behind closed doors to meet Olympic hopefuls and study their round the clock preparation, strengthened by an army of sports scientists and coaches.

Beijing is one of the most polluted cities on earth; cars are increasing by around 1,000 a day and with exhaust emissions making up almost a third of Beijing’s air pollution, city’s environmental chief has to take action to turn Beijing’s smoggy grey skies to blue if the Olympics are to be a success. Working in tandem are transport chiefs who hope to ease congestion with an ambitious and radical solution. For an event of this magnitude, where it is imperative that everything goes according to schedule, weather is one of the biggest concerns. It also explores cutting edge facial recognition technology which is used to ensure the safety of the spectators and athletes and combat terrorism threats. Military precision rockets are being fired into the sky to keep the dark clouds at bay. Apart from hosting the Games, Beijing is also getting ready for the biggest party on earth!

Landscape architects are creating the world’s first ever Olympic Forest Park. The park will be a green lung for the capital. The new greener consciousness that is spreading through Beijing and is also reflected in the new infrastructure that is being put in place, including the Bird’s Nest and Watercube - showpiece stadiums reflecting innovative architecture and a blueprint for the future.

Viewers will also hear from the people behind the scenes and share their excitement, sense of responsibility, pride and dreams as they each work towards the common goal of making this the most successful and technologically advanced Olympic Games ever.

For more information, please contact:
Ruchika Tandon
Discovery Networks India
Tel: 011-41491127; 98102 02457

Angika Sharma
Hanmer MS&L
Tel: 98731 78646