Torch bearer of London games sends wishes to Nanjing YOG(2)

Wang Jian passes the Olympic flame to a British torch bearer during the London Olympic torch relay in 2012. [File photo provided for jschina.com.cn]

"The memory of my childhood running days goes so fresh whenever I breathe in cold winter air." Wang said, "Sometimes when I look back, I would even admire the childhood me. Without a strong willpower, I couldn't have managed it."

From a civil servant to a business leader, Wang had ups and downs in his career. At every crucial turning of life, or even despairing moments, "that willpower really helped me a lot. Thanks to that experience, it has etched perseverance into my DNA."

The Olympics are really about sharing and enjoying

Talking about the torch relay in the London Olympics, Wang was still excited and grateful after almost two years.

Upon arriving at Bishop's Stortford, north of London, where he took part in the torch relay, he soon got immersed in the joy brought by the Olympics.

Torch bearers of different nations were grouped together to share their love for sports beyond the boundaries of countries and languages.

"The entire process was on in a relaxed atmosphere. When you hear the cheering crowd, you can tell that their cheers were heartfelt. Everyone was enjoying the moment." Wang recalled.

At that moment, he said, he could really feel the essence of the Olympic spirit – mutual understanding, friendship, solidarity and fair play.

This is also how he comprehends the slogan of "Share the Games, Share Our Dreams" in this Nanjing YOG.

"I hear that Nanjing YOG will not have a medal table," he added, "it's definitely a good thing. In this way the kids can go all out for the fun of sports instead of medals."

To encourage the value of cultural exchange and education, the International Olympic Committee decided not to have official medal list since the first YOG in Singapore in 2010. Following this trend, Nanjing is expected to see China's "medal-first" strategy at Olympics somewhat adjusted.

With more young athletes and volunteers to attend this YOG, Wang Jian believes more people can find the true value of the Olympics.