Return to Transcripts main page
American Morning
Lu Chen's Reaction to Olympic News
Aired July 13, 2001 - 11:26 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: Celebrations and fireworks mark the occasion as China learns it will host the 2008 Olympic Games. Today's announcement comes as good news to the country that thought it was snubbed during the bid for the 2000 games.
For more reaction to this Olympic choice, we go to Phoenix and China's two time Olympic Bronze Medalist, skater Lu Chen. Lu, good morning. Thanks for joining us.
LU CHEN, OLYMPIC MEDALIST: Good morning. Thank you.
KAGAN: Where did you see the news?
CHEN: Oh, wow, I was in the car and to hear this news, I was like, oh my god, I can't believe it. I was so happy.
KAGAN: So you're very excited.
CHEN: Yes.
KAGAN: Do you think it was fair, all the emphasis of human rights abuses in China and that some people were making the case that this was a reason that the games should not go to Beijing?
CHEN: Well, you know what? Our government, our people will do anything to make successful Olympic Games in Beijing. So I think, you know, it's not a problem and our government has already got over it. You know, we will do anything for it.
KAGAN: What kind of effect do you think this is going to have on the Chinese people in the years leading up to 2008? First, on athletes that are training for those games?
CHEN: Well, you know, like last Olympics we win so may gold medals or other medals and we've been, you know, worked so hard and for Olympics and then I'm sure we will have really successful Olympic Games in Beijing and that our athletes will do the best for it.
KAGAN: What about for the average Chinese?
CHEN: You know, there, I'm sure everybody's so happy to hear this, you know, great news and now everybody just really looking forward to it and whatever, you know, they can do they will go for. KAGAN: Let's talk about your Olympic career. Salt Lake City is 2002, coming up next year. Will you be there representing China or are you retired?
CHEN: Well, I'm retired. But I'm sure I will be there.
KAGAN: From your Olympic career...
CHEN: I will be there.
KAGAN: You will be there.
CHEN: Yes.
KAGAN: And meanwhile, you split your time between China and the United States, as I understand it.
CHEN: Yes. I am, my home base is Phoenix, Arizona.
KAGAN: Is there more opportunity here for you, or why was it important for you to leave China?
CHEN: Well, I'm, you know, like what did you say, I'm still back and forth because I have a skating crew. I'm doing exhibitions and tours and stuff over here. But, you know, but at this moment, at this time I wish I can be in China to celebrate, you know, what great news and share this happiness with our people.
KAGAN: I bet you do. I bet you there'll be many calls home.
CHEN: Yes.
KAGAN: Meanwhile, 2008, you'll be there, of course, not as an athlete.
CHEN: Oh, yes.
KAGAN: But I imagine you wouldn't miss those games for the world.
CHEN: Yes, I, well, you know, 2008 Olympic Games I will be there and see you there.
KAGAN: Excellent. Well, congratulations to you as a Chinese.
CHEN: Thank you.
KAGAN: And thanks for joining us today. And good luck with your professional skating career.
CHEN: Thank you. Thank you very much.
KAGAN: Lu Chen joining us from Phoenix.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
