VOA标准英语2008年-American Olympians Get White House Send-Off

Members of America's Summer Olympic team are preparing to head to China after a formal send-off at the White House. VOA's Paula Wolfson reports, President Bush says he is looking forward to joining them in Beijing.
　
President Bush with US softball team member Jennie Finch¹ at the White House, 21 Jul 2008

About two dozen members of Team USA went to the White House.

They represented all the athletes at a ceremony in the Rose Garden, where President Bush praised their accomplishments² and their character.

"In Beijing, you will also represent our nation's character," the president noted³. "As ambassadors of goodwill⁴, you will be humble⁵ in victory and gracious in defeat. And by showing respect for your competitors, you will demonstrate America's respect for the world."

About 600 U.S. athletes will compete in 30 different sports at the Games -from swimming to fencing, and from judo⁶ to gymnastics. The president noted they represent the diversity of America - a mix of races, ethnic⁷ backgrounds and ages.

"Some of you are young, the youngest teammate is a 15-year-old diver, and some of you are older. There is a 58-year-old sailor, which gives this 62-year-old mountain biker hope that you may need me in Beijing," the president joked.

But the president's role in Beijing is more likely to be that of a sports fan and cheerleader-in-chief. He has said on numerous occasions that he is going to Beijing to support America's athletes and see some great competition.

And while his decision to attend the opening ceremonies has proven controversial, the president made clear in the Rose Garden that he is excited about the prospect⁸ of seeing the Games in person.

"Laura and I look forward to joining you for the Olympics," he said. "I am fired up to go. I cannot wait to salute⁹ our athletes, and I cannot wait to share in the joy of your triumphs. And so today we send you off with congratulations on the success you have already achieved, and on the accomplishments we know will be yours in Beijing."

Critics have said the president should not attend the opening ceremonies because of the Chinese government's human rights record and its policies regarding Tibet and Darfur.

But members of the Olympic team who came to the White House say they cannot wait to share the experience of being at the Olympics with the president.

Kerri Walsh - a defending gold medalist in beach volleyball - says it is important to keep the true meaning of the Olympics in mind.

"What is amazing about the Olympic is it is a sporting event and not a political event," Walsh said. "It is when the world can come together at a peaceful event. And it is an honor that President Bush will be attending the games and will be at the opening ceremonies to represent our country."

The Summer Olympics open August 8 in Beijing.

　

 

1 finch   

n.雀科鸣禽(如燕雀，金丝雀等)

参考例句：

• This behaviour is commonly observed among several species of finch.这种行为常常可以在几种雀科鸣禽中看到。
• In Australia,it is predominantly called the Gouldian Finch.在澳大利亚，它主要还是被称之为胡锦雀。

2 accomplishments   

n.造诣；完成( accomplishment的名词复数 )；技能；成绩；成就

参考例句：

• It was one of the President's greatest accomplishments. 那是总统最伟大的成就之一。
• Among her accomplishments were sewing,cooking,playing the piano and dancing. 她的才能包括缝纫、烹调、弹钢琴和跳舞。 来自《现代英汉综合大词典》

3 noted   

adj.著名的，知名的

参考例句：

• The local hotel is noted for its good table.当地的那家酒店以餐食精美而著称。
• Jim is noted for arriving late for work.吉姆上班迟到出了名。

4 goodwill   

n.善意，亲善，信誉，声誉

参考例句：

• His heart is full of goodwill to all men.他心里对所有人都充满着爱心。
• We paid ￡10,000 for the shop,and ￡2000 for its goodwill.我们用一万英镑买下了这家商店，两千英镑买下了它的信誉。

5 humble   

adj.谦卑的，恭顺的；地位低下的；v.降低，贬低

参考例句：

• In my humble opinion,he will win the election.依我拙见，他将在选举中获胜。
• Defeat and failure make people humble.挫折与失败会使人谦卑。

6 judo   

n.柔道

参考例句：

• The judo is a kind of fighting sport.柔道是一种对抗性体育活动。
• Which is more important in judo, strength or techniques?柔道运动中，力量和技术哪个更重要？

7 ethnic   

adj.人种的，种族的，异教徒的

参考例句：

• This music would sound more ethnic if you played it in steel drums.如果你用钢鼓演奏，这首乐曲将更具民族特色。
• The plan is likely only to aggravate ethnic frictions.这一方案很有可能只会加剧种族冲突。

8 prospect   

n.前景，前途；景色，视野

参考例句：

• This state of things holds out a cheerful prospect.事态呈现出可喜的前景。
• The prospect became more evident.前景变得更加明朗了。

9 salute   

vi.行礼，致意，问候，放礼炮；vt.向…致意，迎接，赞扬；n.招呼，敬礼，礼炮

参考例句：

• Merchant ships salute each other by dipping the flag.商船互相点旗致敬。
• The Japanese women salute the people with formal bows in welcome.这些日本妇女以正式的鞠躬向人们施礼以示欢迎。