Long jumper and volunteer talk to School Reporters

By Matt and Adam from Homewood School, Kent Olympic School Reporters, Beijing

Whilst in Tiananmen Square, watching the exciting men's road cycling event, Matt and I decided to go to Starbucks where fortunately we bumped into Bermudan Long jump national record holder Tyrone Smith. We asked if he would answer a few questions which he was happy to do.

We asked Tyrone how he was finding the locals here in Beijing?

"They're amazing", he replied, "they're really nice and welcoming and they are always very excited to speak to any of the athletes. Very welcoming."

We then asked how are the training conditions were?

"Initially the smog was hard to cope with, as I am a track athlete. At the end of the sessions your nose would burn and we would all be sweating heavily, but I've adjusted to the climate now and its going great!"

Finally we asked what he thought of Beijing.

"The whole of Beijing is really nice. It is my first time out of the Olympic village and I'm going to go hunt for some bargains!"

He then gave us his contact card and left with his fellow athlete and coach to do some shopping before the athletics really starts in the second week.

Interview with Lei Dong an Olympic Volunteer

On the 9th August, we went on an outing with all the schools to central Beijing (Tiananmen Square). During the outing, the schools went off and did their own thing. Our school (Homewood) had a group of students go off to watch the women's basketball at the Wukesong Culture and Sports Center.

Whilst we were there Adam and I went and interviewed one of the volunteers helping out at one of the various stations across the Beijing area. The person we interviewed was called Lei Dong (Chinese name) or Ivy (English name). She was a fairly young lady, about 25 at the oldest. She was able to speak enough English to help her through the interview which made our job much easier. This is how the interview went:

Matt: Why did you choose to volunteer at the Beijing Olympics?
Lei: Because I just love to help people. Also this is the only opportunity I will get in my lifetime to experience something like this.

Matt: What sort of things do you do to help people out?
Lei: I have to do many things to help people out; sometimes I have to help people who are lost or people who are ill.

Matt: How many people do you deal with normally?
Lei: Very many, I am always busy helping different people.

Adam: Where were you during the opening ceremony?
Lei: I was at home with my family watching it on TV.

Adam: Did you enjoy it?
Lei: It was absolutely awesome, incredible.

Adam: Are you enjoying what you are doing?
Lei: Yes, because I am always helping people out.

The Olympic volunteers are doing a fantastic job at stations all around the city. We would like to thank them for their hard work and thank Ivy for giving up some of her time.

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