Sergey Bubka: This will be a fantastic Games (photo attached)

Torchbearers with Olympic values

Having participated in several Olympic Torch Relays, Mr. Bubka has a good idea of what it takes to be a successful torchbearer.

"To be a torchbearer is a big honor; you should be a good person ... and also a person who shares the Olympic values, who respects others, [and] also tries to be the best in their work, and of course build [friendly] relations. Such people really deserve the honor to run with torch."

Mr. Bubka recalls his experience in 2004, when the torch came to Ukraine, his home country. Chinese citizens will feel the same sense of excitement. It will be a great celebration for China, with millions of people along the route supporting the torchbearers.

Athletes can contribute to the Olympic Movement

The seasoned athlete and "king of pole vaulting" has retired from athletic competition, but he remains highly involved in the world of sports, as a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and as Chairman of the IOC Athlete's Commission.

The IOC made a key decision in 1999 to allow active athletes become IOC members. "For me the sport life is always one of the most important things."

When Bubka retired in 2000, he decided to bid for membership on the IOC executive board and represent the athlete's point of view.

"I think it's important to share [my] experience and knowledge, which I gained through my sport career. And when athletes become IOC members ...[they] participate in development of Olympic movement, participate in the decision, and represent the views and experiences of the athletes."

Celebrate "real Olympism" in Beijing

With his IOC responsibilities, Mr. Bubka will be extremely busy during the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. Nevertheless, he will make time to be a spectator as well.

For Mr. Bubka, there is only one opportunity to see each Olympic Games, and he is eager to see the new generation of athletes who will be competing in Beijing. "For sure there will be new stars who will appear on the Olympic podium."

He hopes that spectators from around the world will be able to come and enjoy the Game and "celebrate real Olympism."