Monday, August 11, 2008

BECKS' FLAME GAME

Beckham is secret weapon for London 2012

LONDON OLYMPIC chiefs will unveil their star attraction at the Bird’s Nest Stadium — David Beckham.

Games organisers in Britain are already under pressure after Beijing’s spectacular opening ceremony on Friday night.

But they will start the four-year countdown to London 2012 by parading the world’s most famous sportsman at the closing ceremony — Fabio Capello permitting.

Sport of the World can confirm that Becks WILL definitely jet to the Chinese capital — if he is selected for England’s friendly against the Czech Republic on August 20.

And even by the LA Galaxy star’s globetrotting standards, it will be part of an incredible round-the-world itinerary for Beckham.

Assuming Capello includes the former skipper in his squad, Beckham will:

* Travel to London from Los Angeles on August 17 to meet up with his England team-mates.

* Play against the Czechs at Wembley on the 20th.

* Fly out to Beijing the following day to become part of the London 2012 deputation in Beijing.

* Appear at the closing ceremony on August 24.

* Jet straight back to LA to resume training with the Galaxy.

* Head across the States to New England for a game on August 30.

* Board another plane for London after the match and rejoin the England set-up.

* Journey to Barcelona for the opening World Cup qualifier against Andorra on September 6.

* Go on to Zagreb for the clash with Croatia on September 10.

* Dash back across the Atlantic for a MLS fixture just 72 hours after the Croatian clash.

That is an astonishing 28,000 air miles in less than four weeks.

His spokesman said: “Nothing is confirmed but if David is selected for England then he will be flying out to Beijing. He certainly hopes to be there.”

Beckham was part of the successful bidding process that ended with the British delegation celebrating in Singapore three years ago.

His presence then captivated the Far East and London 2012 officials will be hoping it has the same effect in China.

Following the spellbinding opening to the 29th Games here, London know they cannot compete with the Chinese in terms of funding.

The 2008 hosts are said to have spent an astonishing £20billion on organisation.

But in terms of star-power, few can compete with Beckham, who is probably the most recognised athlete in Asia.

He actually made his Real Madrid debut here back in 2003, playing in a friendly at the Beijing Workers Stadium.

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Even then, delirious fans camped outside Beckham’s hotel, hoping for a glimpse.

And after an opening night that featured world leaders and sporting icons such as Roger Federer and Kobe Bryant, Beckham would be a show-stealer when China officially hands over the Olympic responsibility to London, who will be given an eight-minute slot in the closing ceremony.

The 2012 organising committee are keeping their plans close to their chest but Beckham will play a key role — probably alongside great British Olympians such as Steve Redgrave and Kelly Holmes.

It could mean an unlikely pairing in the Bird’s Nest of Becks and Boris Johnson.

Ironically, Great Britain still seem unlikely to field a football team in their own Games. But Beckham’s involvement may help solve that problem.

The only hitch in Becks’ plans could be if Capello decides to call time on the 33-year-old’s international career.

Beckham might then be required to remain in LA for a MLS game on August 21.

But as he has been outstanding since being recalled by Capello and was voted the most valuable player in the MLS, there seems little chance of that.

The ambassadorial role is clearly one that appeals to Beckham — he is already being lined up to spearhead the English FA’s attempts to host the World Cup in 2018.

But, before then, it seems Becks will be leading London’s bid to live up to the spectacular start of these Olympic Games.


this is nothing but a good news for david beckham. he is indeed and global iconic figure in sports world, at the time being no one is bigger than his name, probably this is the reason he is included in closing ceremony. he had a hand on winning the bid for the next olympics in london 4 years from now.  good job

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