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Sarah Cooper came to Beijing to start her own personal and career coaching business, 'Cows from my Window'. When Sarah found out the Olympics were being held in Beijing this summer, she booked her flight back to the United Kingdom.
When did you come to Beijing?

Two and a half years ago.

Oh, so you knew before you came that Beijing would be hosting the 2008 Olympic Games?

Er...well, no. I didn't know. 

Why did you decide to come to Beijing?

I wasn't happy in my career in England and I wanted a bit of an adventure. I had been here three years previously and I loved the challenge. I had an unfulfilled dream about living overseas and that - with my career doubts - sort of came to a head at the same time. Beijing was the most exciting place I'd been to. There was so much new stuff going on that I felt anything was possible.

So the Olympics had no bearing on your coming here. Now, after all the hype and attention, how do you feel?

I'm really proud for China, that they won it and it's really amazing to see all the preparations, but there are only months to go and you do wonder whether they'll actually make it in time. I'm going back home to the UK to see my parents and maybe I'll watch some of it on TV.

Are you timing your trip back home because of the Olympics?

I would have gone back later in the month anyway, but yes, because of the Olympics I decided to get out before they started.

Why?

I've never had any interest in sport, I've never followed any of the Olympics in other countries. At first I felt I should stay because all my friends were excited about it and trying to buy tickets. I couldn't understand why I wasn't doing the same. It wasn't until I spoke to another friend who said, 'Oh no, I won't be here, I'm going home for the whole summer'. It sort of gave me permission to be not  interested as well. In my coaching business, one of the things I always look out for is when the clients say 'should'. I encourage them to think about what they want to do and not why they think they should do it. I realised I should be applying the advice I give my clients to me.

Will the Olympics help your coaching business in any way?

Well that's another reason why I left - people will be in a holiday mood and not thinking so much about their career development, so I might as well take advantage and have a holiday myself. I don't think the Olympics themselves will bring more people in but I think Beijing's growing importance as an international city will.

Despite of the recent troubles in Tibet?

I think the overall curve will be upwards. There might be some wobbles on the way, but I don't think China will go backwards.




Sarah Cooper