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Tibetan Antelope Leads Olympic Mascot Race

The Tibetan antelope is leading in the race to become the 2008 Beijing Olympic mascot, according to a survey released by the China Wild Animal Protection Association. The 2008 Beijing Olympic mascot will be announced on June 1.

Other than the Tibetan Antelope, the other major candidates are the giant panda, the Chinese tiger, the golden monkey and the red-crowned crane. But the Tibetan antelope is recognized by many people to be the best choice.

The Tibetan antelope lives in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau at an altitude of between 4,000 metres and 5,500 metres. The animal portrays the Olympic spirit very well and it can represent China's best qualities to the world. It lives at high altitudes and has a strong body. It would excel in speed sport, because it can run at a top speed of 70 kilometres to 100 kilometres per hour.