VOA标准英语2012--Kenya’s Olympic Trials Provide London Preview

 

Kenya’s Olympic Trials Provide London Preview

In a country that reveres¹ its runners, many of whom are the best in the world, it is no surprise Kenya's National Olympic Trials were so well-attended by Kenyans and tourists from outside the country.

Saturday’s trials included the men's and women’s 800, 1,500 and 5,000-meter races, as well as the 3,000-meter steeplechase. The men's and women’s 10,000-meter trials were held earlier, and the marathoners were selected in April.

Luke Maher is volunteering in the renowned² running town of Iten. A running enthusiast³, he made the trip to Nairobi to see the trials.

“It is a pretty exciting day, we are pretty much seeing a replica⁴ of what the Olympics will be like, with Asbel Kiprop, David Rudisha, everyone who is everyone is here today, so it is pretty exciting stuff,” he said.

Tourist Robert Martin says he will be watching the Olympic games more closely after having attended the trials.

“You will have that special connection knowing that you saw them cross the finish line, you know, in Nairobi, to qualify,” he said.

One of the athletes Robert watched qualify for the Olympics was Vivian Cheruiyot, who will be running the 5,000 and 10,000 meters in London.

“The race today, it was good. I am really happy because I have got a ticket for 5,000 to go to Olympic games. And of course, the 10,000 last week," she said. "The squad⁵ of today, in fact, they were really strong. But I am so happy, because I have got a ticket. So it is only my turn to work hard and focus on Olympic games come next month.”

Some of Vivian’s fellow Kenyans, like Lincoln Mbogo, will be focusing on the Olympic games from the comfort of their living rooms.

“Yeah, I will be glued to my TV, because now I will not get a chance to go to London," he said. "I wish I did, but now I will have to watch it from the TV.” -

But a lucky few of these spectators, like William Fort, may have the opportunity to see these athletes again in London.

“It is really cool because I am going to be in London during the Olympics, so I am really excited to maybe get a chance to see these guys compete again,” he said.

One thing is for certain. Kenyan athletes will have no shortage of fans this summer. 

1 reveres   

v.崇敬，尊崇，敬畏( revere的第三人称单数 )

参考例句：

• Confucian philosophy reveres the teacher above all. 儒家哲学最讲究尊重师长。 来自互联网
• Group's idea: Have in mind gratefully, the heart checks and reveres, sincerity serve, fulfil one's duty. 团队理念：胸怀感激、心存敬畏、诚信服务、尽职尽责。 来自互联网

2 renowned   

adj.著名的，有名望的，声誉鹊起的

参考例句：

• He is one of the world's renowned writers.他是世界上知名的作家之一。
• She is renowned for her advocacy of human rights.她以提倡人权而闻名。

3 enthusiast   

n.热心人，热衷者

参考例句：

• He is an enthusiast about politics.他是个热衷于政治的人。
• He was an enthusiast and loved to evoke enthusiasm in others.他是一个激情昂扬的人，也热中于唤起他人心中的激情。

4 replica   

n.复制品

参考例句：

• The original conservatory has been rebuilt in replica.温室已按原样重建。
• The young artist made a replica of the famous painting.这位年轻的画家临摹了这幅著名的作品。

5 squad   

n.班，小队，小团体；vt.把…编成班或小组

参考例句：

• The squad leader ordered the men to mark time.班长命令战士们原地踏步。
• A squad is the smallest unit in an army.班是军队的最小构成单位。