By Sherry Koonce

The News staff writer

While gymnastics and swimming have dominated most Southeast Texans’ Olympic interests, some local residents have watched with national pride events that are more common in the countries they were born.

Other locals are witness to the beautiful pageantry orchestrated by their Chinese countrymen, who are hosting the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Jackie Tang, 27, of Nederland, has lived in the U.S. for the last 13 years. The first half of his life was spent in China, his native country. He moved to Southeast Texas from New York 10 years ago, and is watching the Olympics every night while his heart swells with pride — both for his country and for all the Olympians.

“I think China has done a real good job hosting the Olympics. When I watched the opening ceremony, I was very proud of my country,” Tang said.

Admittedly, this is his first Olympics to watch in earnest, but he says it won’t be the last.

While he cheers for Chinese teams — he really likes men and women’s gymnastics — he is appreciative of all the athletes, regardless of the country they represent.

“Just to be there is a great compliment to the different athletes’ abilities. What nationality each athlete is not important. To me they are all the best,” Tang said.

Of the U.S. athletes, Tang said he has been watching women’s gymnast Shawn Johnson, and saw her win the gold medal.

“She is doing a real good job,” he said.

Michael Phelps captured his attention, too, he said.

“He is a really good swimmer, an extremely good swimmer,” he said.

As manager of Famous Buffet in Groves, Tang seldom has opportunity to watch the games during the day. He’s been reading the newspaper, watching television late at night, or going to a Chinese television Web site to keep up with the games each day.

His co-worker, Saiyu Tang, 39, of Groves, said she enjoys watching the games because it gives her the opportunity to see a spotlight shined on her country.