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More details are leaking out about the extremes China went to in order to make sure the Opening Ceremony was perfection. Performers were injured, fainted from heatstroke or were forced to wear adult diapers so the show could go on, according to some performers.
The information is coming from the ceremony's director, but he insists that suffering and sacrifice were required to pull off the Aug. 8 event.
Chinese officials are accused of fakery for using computer-generated images to enhance the show's fireworks display for TV viewers. Organizers also have been criticized about their decision to have a 9-year-old girl lip-synch "Ode to the Motherland" because the real singer was deemed not cute enough.
The director admits there was one rain-drenched rehearsal that stretched on for two days and two nights. The immense cast, including the children, were kept on their feet for most of the 51-hour rehearsal with little food and rest and no shelter from the night's downpour.
A coach of one of the dance units confirms they received only two meals for the entire time, and there was almost no time to sleep, even less time for toilet breaks.
In the most extreme case, Beijing organizers revealed a 26-year-old dancer was seriously injured during a July rehearsal. Shanghai media reported that she fell from a 10-foot stage and may be permanently paralyzed from the waist down.
Despite the sacrifices, most of the performers say they are grateful for the opportunity to have participated in the historic event and view it as an honor.
E-mail: lprichard@ksl.com
