Liu's Future: Comeback Kid or Fading Star?

The Hurdler's Injury May Hurt More Than His Sports Career

Posted by Chien Hwang on 08.19.08 @ 05:23 AM

Chien Hwang

Liu Xiang's shocking decision to pull out of the qualifying heat for 110 meter hurdles event was big news. In the hours afterward, China won three more gold medals, but Liu Xiang remained the primary topic of discussion and speculation. It literally changed the mood of the games here in China.

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The King Is Out. Long Live the King.

Heartbroken Chinese, Including Many Sponsors, Watch Liu Xiang Exit Olympics

Posted by Greg Paull on 08.18.08 @ 07:50 AM

Greg Paull

In a devastating turn of events for China, one of the mainland's biggest sports celebrities pulled out of the Olympic Games today. Liu Xiang was unable to compete in a qualifying heat for the men's 110-meter hurdles because of an injury to his right foot. Liu may not be a household name in the U.S. or Europe, but inside China, he is a star. He won the 110-meter hurdle race in Athens in 2004. For the past four years, the entire country has counted on him pulling off the same feat this week in Beijing.

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Selling Phelps: Not in China

The Swimmer's Triumph Will Not Translate Into Sponsorship Deals in the Mainland

Posted by David Wolf on 08.18.08 @ 07:07 AM

David Wolf

Since Michael Phelps scored the sixth of his eventual eight gold medals here at the Beijing Games, I have heard several people -- all very experienced marketers, and all non-Chinese -- suggest that Michael Phelps has a golden career ahead of him here in China doing product endorsements. They're wrong.

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Beijing's United Nations

Challenges Like Communication Overcome With Smiles

Posted by Kevin Tressler on 08.17.08 @ 11:07 PM

Kevin Tressler

I've had quite a few fascinating experiences over the last few days at the games through people-watching around Beijing, hanging out at the Olympic Green and spending time with the athletes in their temporary home, the Olympic Village. The games represented a unique idea when they were conceived at the end of the 19th century, bringing the world together in peace, friendship and harmony. That goal is more than evident today. The athletes hang out with each other at the village, desperately trying to communicate.

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Sport Nation

The Olympics Have Turned Some Chinese Into Sports Fanatics

Posted by Chien Hwang on 08.15.08 @ 03:45 AM

Chien Hwang

The talk around the office for the past week has been all about sports. People are recounting games, calculating stats and even talking smack. With the Olympic Games taking place at venues all over Beijing right now, this isn't surprising, but it certainly is new. In the past, sports were rarely brought up around the proverbial office water cooler.

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Li Ning's Spanish Inquisition

Why China's Gymnastics Prince Will Laugh at Spain's Court Jesters

Posted by David Wolf on 08.15.08

David Wolf

Li Ning has been almost unanimously crowned the king of the Olympic ambush marketers, but in one case, the Chinese sportswear company's efforts appear to have publicly backfired. A promotional photo of the Spanish Olympic basketball team ahowed the players, in uniforms sponsored by Li Ning, posing with their eyes narrowed in a caricature of Chinese facial characteristics, was run on Monday by Sid Lowe of the Guardian in the U.K.

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Beijing's Biggest Fake

After Fake Fireworks and Fake Singing, Now a Fake Building

Posted by Ray Ally on 08.14.08 @ 01:33 AM

Ray Ally

The words "China" and "fake" are inextricably linked. The problem has been out of the headlines for a while but they're back with a vengeance following recent events at the opening ceremony. The ceremony's fake fireworks and fake singing has left a sour taste in my mouth after what was otherwise a spectacular show.

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Olympic Sponsorship: Hit or Myth?

For Most Sponsors, an Investment in the Games Is Worthwhile

Posted by Greg Paull on 08.14.08 @ 12:35 AM

Greg Paull

Now that the five-ring circus has started, the knives are out on all the sponsors. If it's not because they are supporting Darfur or an anti-Tibet sentiment, it must be because they have put a poor value on their sponsorship. And every new TV spot from them will likely have someone calling them the "next Leni Riefenstahl of the 21st century."

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Checking Out the Corporate Check-Writers

Every Pavilion Highlights Commitment to China

Posted by P.T. Black on 08.13.08 @ 03:07 AM

P.T. Black

It's no secret that the Olympic Games rely heavily on corporate sponsorship. It was true in Athens in 2004 and it certainly is true in Beijing. Sponsors have an extremely high-profile position on the Olympic Green, and some of them are doing some pretty interesting things.

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The Golden Rice Bowl

Today's Chinese Champions are Tomorrow's Product Endorsers

Posted by Chien Hwang on 08.13.08 @ 01:34 AM

Chien Hwang

For all athletes competing in the Olympic Games in Beijing, the experience and honor that comes from representing their country on this international stage will last a lifetime. They will become heroes at home and perhaps worldwide. For some athletes, particularly the photogenic ones, the recognition will turn into something more -- celebrity.

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