 Photographer: Paul Zimmer
Date: 24 Jul 2008 |  Photographer: Paul Zimmer
Date: 24 Jul 2008 |  Photographer: Paul Zimmer
Date: 24 Jul 2008 |  Photographer: Paul Zimmer
Date: 24 Jul 2008 |  Photographer: Paul Zimmer
Date: 24 Jul 2008 |  Photographer: Paul Zimmer
Date: 24 Jul 2008 |
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| 24 Jul 2008 |  Related Audio |
| Olympic spotlight on...Rafael Nadal |
 Interview with Rafael Nadal (ESP) (MP3 format)
 
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Q: How excited are you about the Olympic Games in Beijing?
RN: Well, it's always a special tournament, and there are special feelings because you are representing your country. It's very different from the regular tournaments on the tour. You are in the Olympic Village, so it's always very nice to be with the rest of the sportsmen of the world.
Q: Do you think the Olympics is a little bit like Davis Cup, because you’re playing on a team with a team, or completely different?
RN: Well, you represent your country, that's the same, but at the same time it's completely different. Because you are not playing in a team event. Both are very exciting things. When I play Davis Cup I always have this big motivation, extra motivation, and I think in the Olympics I am going to have the same.
Q: When you were growing up, did you think you would have the chance to play in the Olympics?
RN: I never thought that. To play in the Olympics was always very special, because when you're very young you always see the Olympic Games on television. So right now I'm going to be there and very happy for that.
Q: Do you remember watching the Olympics in Barcelona, when you were six years old?
RN: Sure, I saw a lot of things on television. I remember the opening ceremony with the Olympic flame. I also remember when Fermin Cacho won the 1500 metres. The last few metres were unbelievable. I don’t why, but I remember his face very well. It was our best-ever Olympics there, so was unbelievable for Spain.
Q: What did you think it's going to be like when you walk out in Beijing with the rest of the Spanish team?
RN: I don't know. In 2004 I was still playing in the final in Sopot and I saw the ceremony, and I wanted to be there. At the same time, [Carlos] Moya told me that it was a crazy event. You have to wait eight hours there. But at the same time I will love to be there. It will be a very nice experience.
Q: Spain has won a medal in every tennis event since its return to the Olynpics. That’s quite an achievement, isn’t it?
RN: Well, in Spain, sport is very traditional. We have had very good moments in sport. So we have a lot of very good sportsman and are in the top position in the world in different sports. Not every country can have these things, and I am very happy about that.
Q: Is it going to be exciting for you to be in the village?
RN: Sure. I think the facilities are more difficult in the village, but I never thought about not being there. For me I have to be there. It’s going to be a very exciting moment for me to be there with the rest of the sportsmen from around the world.
Other Olympic spotlight interviews
> Ana Ivanovic
> Novak Djokovic
> Maria Sharapova
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