On The Ground In Beijing: Ithaca College Prof Annemarie Farrell

Farrell Taking In Beach Volleyball In Beijing

Dr. Annemarie Farrell is an assistant professor at Ithaca College in the Department of Sport Management & Media. Farrell will be in Beijing from August 8-27, assisting student volunteers as well as working for the Olympic News Service (ONS) gathering quotes from Modern Pentathlon athletes. The Beijing Games are Farrell’s first Olympics and first visit to China. Farrell spoke via e-mail earlier this week with THE DAILY about her Olympic experiences thus far.

Q: How would you describe security in the city, tourist attractions and the Olympic events?

Farrell: It is an underestimation to say security is tight. Scanners are everywhere for bags. There are hundreds of police and military officers and cameras are everywhere. When I attended a beach volleyball match, we went through three security check points before getting to the venue. 

Q: How would you describe the mood and atmosphere among the fans and spectators at the competitions you have attended?

Farrell: Beach volleyball was absolutely fantastic. The crowd was rowdy; many large corporations had employees dressed in identical outfits doing choreographed cheers. To my surprise (and general displeasure) there were cheerleaders doing NFL-style dances at breaks. The events are very Western influenced with techno-dance music along with the cheerleaders. The intensity of the crowd definitely kicks up a notch when Chinese athletes are playing. 

Q: Are venues filled?

Farrell: I have only been to beach volleyball thus far, but the venue was probably at 60% capacity. My students say the venues they work in are half full. Tickets are sold out, but there are many empty seats. I suspect events like basketball, swimming and soccer are probably more filled, but many venues have plenty of empty seats.

Farrell Says Pollution, Humidity Make Beijing Feel Like Oven

Q: What were your immediate reactions to the weather?

Farrell: I totally underestimated the heat here. While it may actually only be 88 degrees, the pollution and humidity make the city feel like an oven. This could be the hottest 88 degrees I have ever experienced. When it rains, IT RAINS. We got nearly two inches of rain Sunday. The rain makes the air quality a bit better, which is good. Anytime you get a breeze in the city it is definitely a welcomed event. 

Q: Overall organization of the Games?

Farrell: Incredible. Flawless. This city has made it look easy.

Q: Best meal so far?

Farrell: The food is wonderful. Last night, two students took me to their favorite restaurant. We had dumplings, duck, egg, rice, pork -- it was incredible.