Frazier: Golden memories at Opening Ceremonies

By Ann Miller
Advertiser Staff Writer

Members of the Iraqi delegation pose with members of the United States delegation at the Opening Ceremony of the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens last night. Associated Press

Last night's Opening Ceremonies in Athens proved it, from the stunning sight of the torch lighting to the memorable Yao Ming sighting on the infield of Olympic Stadium.

"He's as tall as he looks," Frazier said of the 7-foot-6 Houston Rockets center. "And, that team looked like it had four or five others just like him."

Frazier is the first gold medalist to lead the U.S. delegation as chef de mission. In a conference call with Hawai'i media yesterday — at 4:30 a.m. Athens time — he spoke in relieved tones of the success of last night's opening, Hawai'i's Olympians and his hopes for the 538 U.S. athletes.

Since Frazier arrived in Greece Aug. 1, he has averaged about 3 hours of sleep a night. Much of his time has been spent trying to maneuver the fine line between encouraging U.S. athletes to experience the "thrill of victory" and discouraging them from living up to the agony of the "Ugly American" image.

Team USA has gone through briefings where officials urged the athletes to temper their behavior. They were specifically asked not to mug for the cameras as they marched in last night. Frazier said the Americans were met with warm applause and the fans were "screaming wonderful things at us."

He characterized the celebration of the Games' return to Greece after a 108-year absence as the best Opening Ceremony he had ever seen. There was quantity as well as quality because teams came in based on the Greek alphabet; the United States was the 56th team to enter, of 202, so it saw much more than usual.

The Hawai'i AD took pictures with Hawai'i decathlete Bryan Clay, and basketball coaches Larry Brown and Roy Williams. Earlier in the day, he joked with former Stanford volleyball player Logan Tom that "you cost us a couple national championships."

Now, the concentration moves to the competitive venues. The USOC has set 100 medals as a goal at this Games — three more than it won in Sydney.

"We are the team that everyone looks to defeat and the nation everyone takes a look at, that's no question," Frazier said. "While we told them to tone down their behavior and not be 'Ugly Americans,' by the same token in the field of play we told them we want you to go out there and do the best you can. At the end of the day, we hope that means bronze, silver and gold medals."

But Frazier's most compelling wish is for a safe Olympics. Organizers have spent an estimated $1.5 billion on security. Frazier says the presence isn't overwhelming, though there are "lots of people walking around." At a recent U.S. Embassy reception he passed through about 120 officers with several uniforms.

As chef de mission, one of his most critical functions is to convince Team USA it is safe.

"We told the athletes we want to talk about security and the Olympics," Frazier recalled. "We'll take care of security and you take care of the Olympics."

Reach Ann Miller at amiller@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8043.