    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book II)]
    [August 14, 2004]
    [Pages 1657-1658]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    The President's Radio Address
    August 14, 2004

        Good morning. This past week, the Games of the 28th Olympiad began
    in Athens. Athletes from more than 200 nations gathered at the opening
    ceremony to watch the lighting of the Olympic torch and to begin 2 weeks
    of world-class competition.
        America is proud of our Olympians. The talented men and women of
    Team USA represent almost every State and every background and range
    from 15 to 52 years of age. They are carrying on our Nation's proud
    Olympic tradition, which extends back to the first modern games, held in
    Athens in 1896.
        In the coming days, more than 500 American athletes will compete in
    some 28 sports. In stadiums around Athens and in living rooms here at
    home, millions of fans will cheer for Team USA. We will watch as our
    athletes set new records and create lasting memories, from the track to
    the pool to the gymnastics floor. And we will all be proud to see the
    Stars and Stripes rise when our fellow Americans win medals.

    [[Page 1658]]

        Success in the Olympics is not defined on the medal stand alone. For
    our athletes, a place on America's team is the culmination of years
    spent training and competing. They are proving that persistence and
    teamwork can help meet high goals. They are performing with honor,
    conducting themselves with humility, and serving as ambassadors of peace
    and good will to the entire world. By showing respect for every
    competitor, they are showing America's respect for the world, and they
    are inspiring us all.
        In Greece, the Olympics are returning to their ancient birthplace
    and also to the birthplace of democracy. These games arrive at a
    challenging hour for the world, yet we have cause for great hope. At the
    opening ceremony, Team USA marched alongside men and women from
    Afghanistan and Iraq, nations that 4 years ago knew only tyranny and
    repression. Today, because the world acted with courage and moral
    clarity, those nations are free, and their athletes are competing in the
    Olympic Games.
        The rise of freedom in Afghanistan and Iraq is transforming life in
    those nations, and its effect will spread far beyond their borders. For
    the first time in history, people everywhere will see women competitors
    wearing the uniform of Afghanistan. For the first time in decades, the
    world will see Iraqi Olympians free from the brutal punishment of the
    dictator's son. Twenty-nine athletes from Iraq are competing in Athens
    including the Iraqi soccer team, which thrilled the world by winning its
    first game. One woman on the Iraqi track team described her outlook this
    way: ``Someone who represents only herself has accomplished nothing. I
    want to represent my country.''
        That same spirit motivates athletes from nations around the world.
    By coming together in friendly competition, all Olympians are sending
    the message that freedom and hope are more powerful than terror and
    despair. As we watch our athletes compete in Athens, we also think about
    the many Americans deployed overseas to defend our Nation. In Iraq,
    Afghanistan, and beyond, our men and women in uniform are serving with
    great skill and compassion. They are making America more secure, and
    America is grateful to all of them and to their families.
        I look forward to following the Olympics over the next 2 weeks. I
    congratulate the coaches and athletes and families of Team USA and also
    the brave Paralympic athletes preparing to compete in Athens next month.
    I wish them all good luck in the games.
        Thank you for listening.

    Note: The address was recorded at approximately 3:40 p.m. on August 13
    at the Regent Beverly Wilshire in Los Angeles, CA, for broadcast at
    10:06 a.m. on August 14. The transcript was made available by the Office
    of the Press Secretary on August 13 but was embargoed for release until
    the broadcast. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish
    language transcript of this address.