IT'S still the greatest show on Earth and former tennis star turned TV host Sue Barker can't wait.

She will be on duty in Beijing for the Opening Ceremony of Olympics 2008 (BBC1, Friday, 12.45pm) and during the 17 days of this international festival of sport.

"I have been to so many countries throughout my tennis career but China isn't one of them, so this will be a new experience for me," she says.

"It was a surprise to me that Beijing was nominated, but I hope that we leave China with fond memories of the Games and hope for the future."

BBC TV will broadcast more than 2,750 hours of coverage from 302 events in 28 Olympic sports held throughout 31 venues.

"I will be in the stadium for track and field and I am looking forward to witnessing the great rivalries there, especially watching Liu Xiang going for gold in the 110m hurdles.

"Winning a gold medal means you have reached the pinnacle of your sport. For me in tennis, the ultimate goal was to win a Grand Slam championship and we had four chances every year.

"So I cannot imagine the pressure competitors are under when their chance only comes around every four years. An Olympic gold and a World Cup winner's medal must be the greatest prizes in sport."

"Heroine"

Sue has many Olympic memories. "I'll start with Mary Peters winning in 1972. She was my heroine because I admired not only how competitive she was, but also because she won with such style and grace.

"Other favourites are the domination of Mark Spitz, the home wins of Michael Johnson and Cathy Freeman - the flashbulbs going off throughout the race lit up the stadium. Also the duels between Coe and Ovett and, of course, Steve Redgrave's five magnificent victories."

The shadow of China's record on human rights hangs heavy over the Olympics, however much the organisers try and divert our attention.

Gabby Logan, who will front BBC1's early evening Games Today highlights programme, says: "Thinking about the significance of the Games being held in Beijing, I think this is a question which needs an essay for an answer.

"I think the Games being held there is hugely significant, not just for the people of China but for our understanding of the country. I hope that by opening its doors to the world, China will start to fall in line with the basic human rights we expect from a country with such a huge impact on the economies of the world."

Former international gymnast Gabby adds: "I was in Beijing in February and I loved it. I have always been obsessed by China and I am so excited about going back, although I think it may be slightly less play and even more work then.

"Realisation"

"For me, first and foremost the Olympics is about the sport, the athletes, the realisation of their dreams. With the exception perhaps of boxing, where the competitors often turn professional afterwards, it's the pinnacle of sport.

"When I was a gymnast it was my dream - I tried and I didn't make it and I understand how much it means for the athletes involved to be there.

"My first memories are of Moscow. I was seven years old. I remember Alan Wells' gold medal very well and the incredible efforts of Sebastian Coe. Then in 1984 it was the first time that my sport, rhythmic gymnastics, was represented. I was addicted to the screen and recorded every minute of the gymnastics which I played back again and again."

Beijing 2008 also has extra significance. The Closing Ceremony will herald the start of London 2012's four-year Olympic cycle. "I think London 2012 is an enormous opportunity for this country," says Gabby.

"My children will be seven, the same age I was when I was first aware of the Olympics, and I can't wait to take them to see a different sport every day."

Sue recalls: "I worked on one of the videos for the bid and was thrilled to be a part of what promises so much to young people, not only around London but the whole of the country. I will be working on the Games and that will be the highlight of my television career. I can't wait.

"As for Team GB in 2012 - what an experience but also what an opportunity. I will envy every one of them."

Click here  to read Ian Wylie's TV blog.