2:52am Thursday 15th May 2008
By Dan Webber
A Bradford University linguist has been selected to play a role in this summer's Beijing Olympic Games.
Karl McLoughlin, a lecturer in the department of languages and European studies, will translate the words of French and Spanish-speaking medal winners at the biggest event on Earth.
For three weeks he will rub shoulders with some of the globe's sporting stars at post-event press conferences, translate briefings given by International Olympic Committee and even summarise the findings of medical commission drug tests.
He said: "This will be my third Games. The organising committee in advance appoints a chief interpreter and that person recruits interpreters worldwide covering the languages of the athletes they expect to be winning medals.
"In my case I will cover French and Spanish - these are my working languages. I am married to a Spaniard."
He added: "Meetings at the Olympic Village can start as early as 7am and press conferences after an athletic event can take place as late as midnight, so you need plenty of stamina."
Mr McLoughlin was also selected by Olympic organisers to use his linguistic skills in Barcelona in 1992 and at Athens in 2004.
However, he admits the role is something of a busman's holiday. "I am doing a job that I love and getting well paid for it and, if in the process you are allowed access to events that people would kill to see, nothing can beat it.
"You forget your colours when you are at the games. However, there are moments when your colours shine through. In Barcelona in 1992 I was standing virtually on the finishing line when Linford Christie won the Olympic 100m title. The emotion watching that and doing the press conference afterwards was incredible.
"I was also there when British athlete Kelly Sotherton won her bronze medal in Athens. She is a delightful athlete.
"You do want the competitors with your language to win because it will mean that you will be involved."
And despite criticism of the decision to award the Olympic Games to China, Mr McLoughlin remains convinced they will be a huge success.
"I have some worries about the pollution in Beijing. But I am fascinated by the city. It's certainly an opportunity that you don't turn down," he said.
"Being recruited to act as an interpreter at one of the biggest events in the world reflects the high standards of the students and tutors here at the university. It is an honour for me and an honour for the university."
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