June 12, Beijing Olympic Medal ceremony volunteers training to present medals and flowers.

As the Olympics approach, the pace of preparation work is accelerating. Medal ceremony volunteers are being trained for their role in Olympic ceremonies. But they don't yet know what they will be wearing and are naturally eager to find out.

Many people would like to see traditional Chinese designs incorporated into the Olympic ceremonial costumes, and some reports suggest that styles from the Tang and Han dynasties are being considered, as well as the classic Zhongshan suit, designed by Sun Yatsen, leader of China's modern democratic revolution.

The Beijing Organizing Committee has indicated that the Olympic ceremonial dress design will include both modern and traditional Chinese elements.

Liu Ruiqi, chairman of Olympic clothing sponsor Heng Yuan Xiang, said Olympic ceremonial dress shouldn't simply copy Han style, Tang style or Zhongshan style but must creatively combine traditional Chinese with other elements. The dresses must also be recognizable, and gain acceptance, globally.

So what dresses and suits will be worn during the Beijing Olympics? What will the Chinese athletes wear for the opening ceremony? They are all mysteries, and we are left waiting expectantly as we look forward to the start of the great Games.

(China.org.cn July 9, 2008)