CRI听力:Olympic Dreams for Small Countries
Although there are only around 50 athletes from Angola at the games, they are all filled with passion. Antonio Manuel is from Angola's delegation.
"So far, Angola has only won gold medals in African tournaments, and we have never won at any world-class tournaments such as the Olympic Games. We are here to participate in this spectacular event and present ourselves to the arena as a member of Africa."
In the London Olympics, a 17-year-old Indonesian athlete will compete in swimming, making him the first Indonesian swimmer in an Olympic arena. His coach, Albert Sutanto, says it is a perfect opportunity for the swimmer to accumulate experience.
"This is my first time taking an athlete to Olympics. He is only 17, and this is his first time participating in such a high-level tournament. I hope he performs well both this year and in the Brazilian Olympics. When it comes to swimming, Indonesian athletes have never been in the top 16 before, and this time, fortunately, he is in the top 16."
Burkina Faso has 5 athletes in the games this year. As their coach, Missiri Sawadogo was at the Athens Olympics in 2004 and the Beijing Olympics in 2008. The African team puts emphasis on everyone doing their best.
"There are 5 athletes in our delegation, 20 if coaches and other staff are counted. Based on our previous record in the Olympics, we have never gotten a medal. But we hope that, in the coming years, there will be a chance to win one. We expect everyone to do their best, and it would be best if they could break into the finals."
Missiri Sawadogo also explained the significance of Burkina Faso's participation in the Olympic Games.
"We came here for Olympics. Although our chances of winning a medal is really low, we want to experience joy, love and companionship of this great Olympic family. It is a universal sporting event, a perfect opportunity indeed."
Benin has seven athletes in the arena this year. In Olympic history, the West African country has never gotten a medal. But coach, Madjido Amadou, says the Olympic Games inspire every participant.
"The Olympic Games are a big family. When we come across each other in the Olympic Village we often say "good morning "or "good evening". We are very excited to join such a grand sporting event. There is a slogan for Olympic Games, and the one for London inspires all the participants, giving us strength and hope."
The Olympics need greater participation and more exchanges. Without these small countries, the Olympic family would be incomplete. Let us extend our best wishes to the athletes from these countries.
For CRI, this is Alexandra Blucher.
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