OF GODS & GAMES

摘要

Non't worry," the Greeks kept saying, again and again, as the weeks and months ticked by, "we'll be ready." It was a gasping, feverish race to the finish, and the edges were left plenty rough, but when the curtain went up on the 2004 Summer Olympics last Friday night, the people of Athens made believers out of the world. They were ready. The opening ceremonies at Panathinaiko Stadium began with the image of a sprinter and the sound of a thumping heartbeat—a respectful nod to the ancient Games and, just maybe, a sly wink of the eye to an embattled people. So forgive us, Greece, but you did give us cause to doubt. The condition just six months ago of the very stadium that hosted the most spellbinding opening ceremonies in years was—well, suffice it to say, it didn't look anything like this.