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The Olympic Games are not just about winning medals. They are about celebrating the universal values of excellence, friendship and respect.

Jacques Jean Marie Rogge

Speech at the Opening Ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics · Gecheckt op 1 maart 2026
The Olympic Games are not just about winning medals. They are about celebrating the universal values of excellence, friendship and respect.

Analyse

The official transcript of Jacques Rogge's speech at the 2008 Beijing Opening Ceremony includes the line, "The Olympic Games are not just about winning medals. They are about celebrating the universal values of excellence, friendship and respect." News outlets reporting on the ceremony quoted the same phrasing, confirming the attribution and wording.

Achtergrond

Jacques Rogge served as President of the International Olympic Committee from 2001 to 2013 and delivered the opening address at the Beijing Games. His speeches frequently emphasize the Olympic ideals beyond competition, highlighting values such as excellence, friendship, and respect. The 2008 ceremony was widely covered, with multiple sources publishing the speech transcript.

Samenvatting verdict

The quote accurately reflects Jacques Rogge's remarks at the 2008 Beijing Olympic opening ceremony.

Geraadpleegde bronnen

— Official IOC transcript of the 2008 Beijing Opening Ceremony speech by Jacques Rogge (IOC.org)
— BBC News article titled "Rogge urges unity at Beijing opening" (BBC.co.uk, 8 Aug 2008)
— The Guardian coverage of the Beijing Olympics opening ceremony, quoting Rogge's remarks (TheGuardian.com, 8 Aug 2008)