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| Current Issues | No.64 June 2013 |

Inside the Beijing Olympics ; Ruffolo, J. (2012)
Review by Darlene A. Kluka & Justin Peterson

Biennially, the world focuses for a period of a little more than two weeks to recognise the world’s most celebrated sports competition - the Olympic Games. Not only do the participants get to showcase their athletic ability to the world, but the Games also provide the host city with a unique opportunity to take the world stage. The 2008 Summer Olympic Games, officially known as the Games of the XXIX Olympiad, took place in Beijing, China. For the first time, the world had unprecedented access to the most inhabited nation on Earth. Ruffolo uses an in-depth personal experience as the only American to serve on the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad and suggests that these Olympic Games were the greatest ever.

He uses a strong and detailed first-person narrative account to give the reader “an adventure without road map or compass… deep into the Olympic world previously shrouded by mystery and magic” (p. 17). He makes a case that the Chinese nation is the greatest in the world and that the Olympic Games they hosted were equally as great. In his very informal and almost friendly conversational storytelling, Ruffolo expresses his first-hand, detailed and emotionally-charged account. He admits his once-stereotypical Western Hemisphere perspective of China was transformed into an unbiased opinion that China is the greatest nation on Earth. This transformation was fueled by uncensored personal experiences and stories that exhibit Chinese control over the Olympic Games.

The first part of this book is intensely focused on Ruffolo’s chronological account before his employment with the Beijing Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (BOCOG). He provides insight by implementing numerous analogies, moviej scenarios and anecdotes to give the reader an understanding where he once was and where he ultimately wants to go. Despite his informal sarcasm, and sometimes childish attitude, Ruffolo effectively incorporates his pre-Beijing Olympics life to a relatable, hard-working and underappreciated member of the working class and follows the story of hard work and persistence to achieve a dream as a member of the Beijing Olympics management team.

The second part of the book describes his story after earning the job with the BOCOG up to the Olympic Games. Ruffolo’s description of interweaving Chinese and American cultures to create a better understanding is told through real-life experiences of highs and lows during his employment. Repeated failed attempts and reality checks kept the lone American struggling to fit in with the Chinese. “You are not in China to be one of us” (p. 139) is one of the constant reminders that in the eyes’ of the Chinese, he is only an acquaintance, not an accepted friend. With his battle to gain acceptance, Ruffolo explains the specific framework of how China spared no expense of wealth and personnel to help create an Olympic Games that will be long-remembered.

The author proficiently constructs a picture of the day in the life of a lone American working with the BOCOG. This picture depicts China’s greatness, power and strength that were witnessed first-hand by Ruffolo. The once naïve American transforms his western perspective to a vision of being an accepted friend of the Chinese. The book, once read, offers a never-before seen point of view of the inner workings of the Beijing Olympics along with a great depiction of the Chinese culture as a whole.

This book was published in eBook format by eBookIt.com and is available in electronic form by various online book retailers. The book’s layout is quite standard and consists of the usual foreword and 17 chapters. The final pages of the book provide specific tips that became apparent to Ruffolo and can be followed when searching for Chinese acceptance.

Jeff Ruffolo has remarkable credentials in the sports world. His previous employment ventures have included: Senior Media Expert for the Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2008 Olympic Games; Chief Communications Officer for the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games; and the 2011 AFC Asian Cup. He is a three-time Summer Olympic Sportscaster for Westwood One at the 1996, 2000 and 2004 Olympic Games. This is the only book available that gives a first-hand look at the inner workings of a communist country through sport and should be read by anyone who is interested in Chinese culture and the Olympic Games.

Ruffolo, J. (2012). Inside the Beijing Olympics.
265 Pages
ISBN-13: 978-1-4566-0942-9
$9.99 USD

Reviewers:
Justin Peterson, B. S.
Barry University, Sport Management Master’s Student, Miami Shores, FL USA

Darlene A. Kluka, Ph. D., D Phil
Barry University, Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Miami Shores, FL USA

Contact

Justin Peterson B.S.
Barry University
School of Human Performance and Leisure Science
11300 NE 2nd Avenue
Miami Shores, FL 33161-6695
USA

Prof. Dr. Darlene Kluka
Barry University
School of Human Performance and Leisure Science
11300 NE 2nd Avenue
Miami Shores, FL 33161-6695
USA
Email:dkluka@mail.barry.edu

http://www.icsspe.org/