The Olympics is almost upon us and with it comes the usual catchphrases about unity and friendship. This time it's 'One World, One Dream'... but clearly not everyone in the region shares Beijing's dream.
To be honest, I was always pretty cynical about these Olympic ideals until the five rings came to my hometown, Sydney, in 2000. Interestingly, when the eyes of the world turned to Homebush Stadium, the eyes of many locals focussed on Bondi Beach.
Not only was this the site of the very talented women's volleyball competition, it was also a showcase - no, a buffet - of delectable sunbathers from all over the world.
Swedes, Spanish, Hawaiians, Brazillians... the list went on. What was unique about this arrangement was that thanks to some flag-toting entrepreneur, many of them had their national flags stuck into the sand beside their bronzed bods; a great conversational opener.
My friend Chris, a connoisseur of women of any description, took delight in this. Knowing their nationality already, he could concoct pick-up lines with ease.
But in a strange way, this scene was typical of the 2000 Olympics. Sydney, a fairly friendly city, suddenly became a closeknit neighbourhood. Everyone mixed with ease, like we'd been stuck in the same incestuous village all our lives.
One night we found ourselves outside jamming with an Irish busker and a failed Greek Olympian. Another afternoon we joined a victory dance with dozens of Kenyans, celebrating yet another gold in athletics.
But Sydney 2000 wasn't just about winners. For many, the highlight was Eric 'the Eel' Moussambani from Equatorial Guinea, a man who flailed his arms for two laps of the Olympic pool, almost drowning, only to finish last.
Eric, who'd only learnt to swim nine months earlier, became an instant celebrity. His goggles were sold for $2500, he attracted sportswear sponsorship and was offered a scholarship in Spain, even though he was the slowest 100m freestyler in Olympic history.
No one gave a hoot about the procession of medallists, we had a far more human champion.
Just like a society should be judged on the state of its most vulnerable, an Olympics should be judged by the welfare of the losers. Somehow I doubt there'll be an Eel in Beijing.
