When the Olympic Games begin on Friday, participants will face two challenges: To compete well in their sport, and to elevate the event's ideals above the appalling behavior of the host country.

China's lofty promises to live up to those ideals — embodied in its "One World One Dream" slogan — have crumbled under its old habits of political repression.

The latest act of paranoia came earlier this week, when China tried to reverse its pledge to allow foreign journalists uncensored Internet access. Instead, China blocked certain sites it deemed politically incorrect. Under intense pressure, China has apparently backed off, allowing access to such sites as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. But it's unclear whether the promise of full access will be kept.

China made this and other assurances of human rights improvements to succeed in its bid to host the Olympics.

These assurances ring hollow. The intimidation of critics, repression in Tibet, the forcible relocation of Beijing residents and the silencing of victims of the May 12 earthquake have cast a cloud over the games.

But for a few weeks, the athletes will take center stage and display not only their physical prowess, but the true Olympic spirit of universal friendship and harmony. Let's hope some of that spirit takes root in Beijing and flourishes.