Sir Craig Reedie, a senior International Olympic Committee member and former British Olympic chief, says London faces a "very high challenge" to meet the standards set by the "magnificent Beijing Games" of 2008.

Reedie chaired the British Olympic Association from 1992 to 2005. On the eve of the one-year countdown to next year's Games in London, England, Reedie called China an “Olympic powerhouse.”

In an interview with China Daily, he paid tribute to the previous host of the world's foremost sports competition. And he spoke of his dreams and aspirations for London's third Olympic Games, which will begin in 365 days.

"We are in good shape," said Reedie, when asked how the countdown was going. "The main facilities are all there and we have been able to raise most of the money we need because we have private-sector business (support)."

Reedie spoke as organizers of the Games began a series of test events on their main venues and systems. "We've tested race walking, we've tested marathon, we've tested equestrian. We're about to do beach volleyball, we're about to do badminton," he said. The 2012 Games will mark the third time London has hosted the Games the first was in 1908 when Italy was forced to cancel because Mount Vesuvius erupted and then in 1948 after World War II.

Reedie urged Chinese fans traveling to the Games to enjoy the host city while feeling at home. "I hope you begin to enjoy some of the aspects of the city that will be different from your culture because that's one of the joys of coming to an Olympic Games," he said.

Question:

1. Why are so many Olympics stories appearing this week, even though the event won’t happen until next year?

2. How many Olympic Games did London sponsor in the past, not counting next year’s games?

3. Italy was chosen to host the Games in 1908, but London hosted them, instead. Why is that?

Answers:

1. This week marked the eve of the one-year countdown to the 2012 Olympics in London, so there have been many preview stories this week to mark the start of that countdown.

2. London sponsored two Olympic Games, in 1908 and in 1948.

3. Italy had to cancel because Mount Vesuvius erupted. So London agreed to host the games in 1908.

（中國日報網英語點津 編輯：Julie）

About the broadcaster:

Renee Haines is an editor and broadcaster at China Daily. Renee has more than 15 years of experience as a newspaper editor, radio station anchor and news director, news-wire service reporter and bureau chief, magazine writer, book editor and website consultant. She came to China from the United States.