China looks for tall, thin women to present medals at Olympics

LONDON: Beijing is seeking women presenters for medals ceremonies at the 2008 Olympics — but only those who are tall and thin need apply.

Hundreds of young women will be recruited as volunteers to present medals and raise flags at ceremonies for the Games, which open on August 8, but they must meet stringent criteria.

“We have clear conditions and demands,” explained Zhao Dongming, director of the Cultural Activities Department at Beijing’s Organising Committee for the Games.

“We have certain clear-cut requirements for their height, since they are to present the medals to our athletes. They need to be of a height between 1.68 and 1.78 meters. That’s above average.”

There was no requirement on their weight, Zhao said, but he added: “Generally speaking, they can’t be too fat. Their figure should be good. They shouldn’t be too heavy.”

The guidance was so the women, who must be between 18 and 25 and university students, would fit into the uniforms being prepared for them, he said.But good looks alone won’t cut it. “It is not enough just to have a beautiful appearance.

They need to be healthy and they need to have dedicated training,” Zhao said.

“They also must have a very clear understanding of the Olympic spirit and the Olympic movement.”