The 2008 Beijing Olympics
and Paralympics
on the 91Èȱ¬
91Èȱ¬ Radio team Olympic impressions
Peter Allen
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Peter Allen co-presents Drive on 91Èȱ¬ Radio
5 Live with Anita Anand.
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Anita took over in
October 2007 from Jane Garvey, who had
formed a presenting partnership with Peter
that lasted more than a decade.
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They were the
founder presenters of 5 Live Breakfast when
Peter joined the 91Èȱ¬ at 5 Live's inception in
1994. Between them, they won four Sony
Gold Awards in a team described by The
Times as 2made in broadcasting heaven" .
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Peter has unrivalled experience of news and
current affairs, having spent nearly 40 years in
the profession, including stints as a "ten pound
pom" when he emigrated to Australia and
worked for the Sydney Telegraph.
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In television,
he has covered news and politics for LWT and
Granada, and was chief political correspondent
at ITN prior to joining the 91Èȱ¬.
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During his career he has covered events such
as the fall of the Callaghan Government in
1979; the resignation of Margaret Thatcher
in 1990; both Gulf Wars and the terror
attack in New York on 9/11.
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Peter has been voted Xtracts magazine
Broadcaster of the Year and was cited as the
sixth most important man in radio in a Radio
Times survey in June 2005.
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"For me the Olympics represents the
ultimate test of sporting ability.
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"My favourite memory from past Olympics is
of Coe versus Ovett in Moscow – the contest
between the best two middle-distance
runners in the world, both from this country.
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"As for Beijing 2008, I'm fascinated by the
Olympics and by China. I have not been
there before so it will be doubly interesting.
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2I think the Games being held in Beijing is of
enormous significance to China, which is
now one of the world's superpowers, but is
struggling to cope with change.
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"The
Olympics will be a great test for its leaders
and its people.
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"As to the sport itself at the Games, I am a
traditionalist. I enjoy athletics more than any
other event in the Olympics, and in particular
the long-distance running events.
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"As far as predicting British glory goes, I fear
that will finally end their chances, but the
cycling team look strong.
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"And looking ahead to London 2012, I cannot
think of anything I would rather be doing in
August.
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"To be working there for the 91Èȱ¬ is a
privilege. And I think the Chinese will set a
standard which we will have to work hard to
match, both for the Games, for the British
team and for the city itself."
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