Jamaica wins relay in world record, Dibaba completes long-distance double
Asafa Powell, Michael Frater, Nesta Carter and Usain Bolt (L to R)of Jamaica pose for photos by the results board with their new world record after the men’s 4×100m relay final at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird’s Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 22, 2008. The Jamaican team won the title with 37.10 seconds and set a new world record. (Xinhua/Liao Yujie)
Gold medalist Zhang Yining (C), silver medalist Wang Nan (L), bronze medalist Guo Yue, all of China, pose for group photo at the awarding ceremony of the women’s singles of Beijing Olympic Games table tennis event in Beijing, China, Aug. 22, 2008. (Xinhua/Xu Jiajun)
Tang Chunling (R) of China vies for the ball during women’s gold medal match between China and the Netherlands at Beijing 2008 Olympic Games hockey event in Beijing, China, Aug. 22, 2008. The Netherlands won the match and grabbed the gold medal. (Xinhua/Li Yong)
August 22, 2008
Robles after win: Wish Liu was here
Cuba’s Dayron Robles reacts after winning the men’s 110m hurdles final at the “Bird’s Nest” National Stadium during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games on August 21, 2008. Robles won the 110m hurdles Olympic title within 12.93 seconds. The 21-year-old beat home two US athletes, David Payne (13.17sec) and David Oliver (13.18sec). [Agencies]
Dayron Robles must have missed Liu Xiang in the 110m hurdles line-up, for no one pushed even closer to his record of 12.87 seconds, let alone try to break it.
This is precisely where the ace Chinese hurdler could have made all the difference to the Cuban Robles and the others on the track yesterday.
No wonder Robles said after the race: “It’s disappointing Liu Xiang is not here. When he is there, you can feel his presence.”
August 19, 2008
Olympic champ Guo golden for China in 3m springboard, setting record

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??BEIJING, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) — Triple Olympic champion Guo Jingjing bagged women’s 3m springboard gold at Beijing Olympics on Sunday, becoming the first-ever diver to win back-to-back Olympic individual and synchro titles.
??The overwhelming favorite, oldest in the Chinese squad at 26, seized the lead with her first dive for which she achieved 81 points.
??The glamour girl compiled a total of 415.35 points to grab her second Olympic gold on home soil.
??Russian veteran Julia Pakhalina took the silver at 398.60, beating Chinese No. 2 Wu Minxia who settled for bronze at 389.85.
??With the victory, Guo has so far collected up to six Olympic medals to break the record holding by Fu Mingxia, who grabbed five.
??It is the fifth gold the Chinese “dream team” snatched at the Beijing Olympics. The diving powerhouse eyes a clean sweep of eight diving titles in front of home fans.
August 11, 2008
China loses to U.S. 101-70

??In a game full of meanings and expectations, China gave all out to fight to the end with Yao Ming having the team-high 13 points, 11rebounds and three blocks.
??U.S. President George W. Bush, accompanied by China’s Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, witnessed U.S.’ fifth Olympic victory over China, dating back to 1984.
??After a brief lead in the first quarter, China failed to catch up the fast-paced Americans, losing 24-4 on fast-break points.
??Chinese Zhu Fangyu chipped in 11 points and eight rebounds.
August 9, 2008
Beautiful Olympics inauguration photos
Photo taken on Aug. 8, 2008 shows the art performance of the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games, titled “Beautiful Olympics”, in the National Stadium, also known as the Bird’s Nest, in north Beijing, China.(Xinhua Photo)
Photo taken on Aug. 8, 2008 shows the art performance of the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games, titled “Beautiful Olympics”, in the National Stadium, also known as the Bird’s Nest, in north Beijing, China.(Xinhua Photo)
Fireworks show at opening ceremony of Beijing Olympic Games
Photo taken on Aug. 8, 2008 shows the fireworks of the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games held in the National Stadium, also known as the Bird’s Nest, in north Beijing, China. (Xinhua/Yang Lei)
Photo taken on Aug. 8, 2008 shows the fireworks of the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games held in the National Stadium, also known as the Bird’s Nest, in north Beijing, China. (Xinhua/Yang Lei)
“Beautiful Olympics” at opening ceremony
Photo taken on Aug. 8, 2008 shows the art performance of the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games, titled “Beautiful Olympics”, in the National Stadium, also known as the Bird’s Nest, in north Beijing, China.(Xinhua Photo)
Photo taken on Aug. 8, 2008 shows the art performance of the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games, titled “Beautiful Olympics”, in the National Stadium, also known as the Bird’s Nest, in north Beijing, China.(Xinhua Photo)
August 4, 2008
Olympic-themed haircut popular among kids

A boy gets a haircut featuring an Olympic Fuwa mascot in Tianjin August 3, 2008. Wu Dasheng, a local Beijing barber, offers the boys in his neighborhood a free Olympic-themed haircut as part of his effort to cheer for the upcoming Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. (Photo: China Daily/Agencies)

A pair of twins show their Olympic-themed haircuts in Wuhan, capital of Hubei province, August 3, 2008.(Photo: China Daily/Agenices)

A boy with a Beijing 2008 Olympic haircut drinks at a community centre in Beijing August 2, 2008. (Photo: China Daily)

A boy with a Beijing 2008 Olympic haircut plays at a community centre in Beijing August 2, 2008. (Photo: China Daily)

A boy with a Beijing 2008 Olympic haircut plays at a community centre in Beijing August 2, 2008. (Photo: China Daily)
Beijing Snacks

Beijingers love their snacks and thanks to a courtyard restaurant near Houhai, a dozen of the capital’s most famous eats have a new home. Time Out joins the queues of hungry hordes
A dozen of Beijing’s oldest and most famous laozihao, or old brand name stores, some dating back more than a century, have found refuge under one roof in a large traditional courtyard house in Xiaoyou Hutong, beside Houhai .
The old Menkuang Hutong of Qianmen has been ‘recreated’ in this courtyard house, with stalls set up on both sides of an indoor ‘hutong’ that serves as a food court, with diners sitting at traditional wooden tables and chairs. Nice black and white photos of old Beijing adorn the walls.
It could be wet but can’t dampen spirit

Fireworks explode with an Olympic logo over Beijing’s National Stadium, or ‘Bird’s Nest’, during a rehearsal of the opening ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, August 2, 2008. [Agencies]
Beijing is praying for the mercy of Mother Nature this Friday, as the latest weather forecast calls for rain and thunderstorms on the day of the Opening Ceremony.
“We may see a cloudy sky on August 8, and it will probably also meet scattered showers or thunderstorms,” said Wang Jianjie, deputy director of the Beijing Meteorological Bureau. “The highest temperature may be between 30 and 32 C.”
Some Web sites unblocked for Olympics, but not all
BEIJING — Olympic organizers unblocked some Internet sites at the main press center and media venues Friday while others remained off limits for journalists covering the Beijing games.
The move falls short of the “free and unfettered access” the organizers and Chinese officials had promised for months. However, it was an improvement from earlier in the week when sites for the likes of Amnesty International or Tiananmen Square could not be opened.
Senior International Olympic Committee officials met late into the night Thursday with their Chinese counterparts and said they reached an agreement to unblock sites, although the IOC statement said the details were still being formulated.
“We trust them to keep their promise,” the International Olympic Committee said.
August 2, 2008
Int’l lingerie design competition in Beijing
A model presents a creation for an international lingerie design competition in Beijing July 31, 2008. [Agencies]
Models present creations for an international lingerie design competition in Beijing July 31, 2008. [Agencies]
A model presents a creation for an international lingerie design competition in Beijing July 31, 2008. [Agencies]
A model presents a creation for an international lingerie design competition in Beijing July 31, 2008. [Agencies]
A model presents a creation for an international lingerie design competition in Beijing July 31, 2008. [Agencies]
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National Aquatics Center decorated well
Photo taken on July 31, 2008 shows a hall at the entrance of National Aquatics Center, nicknamed the “Water Cube” in Beijing, China. The Center was cleaned up and decorated well as Beijing 2008 Olympic Games is drawing near. (Xinhua/Zhao Peng)
A reporter passes by the diving area decorated with billboard at National Aquatics Center, nicknamed the “Water Cube” in Beijing, China, July 31, 2008. (Xinhua Photo)
Workers decorate the platform at diving area of National Aquatics Center, nicknamed the “Water Cube” in Beijing, China, July 31, 2008.(Xinhua Photo)
Photo taken on July 31, 2008 shows press box of National Aquatics Center, nicknamed the “Water Cube” in Beijing, China.(Xinhua/Zhao Peng)
Photo taken on July 31, 2008 shows press box of National Aquatics Center, nicknamed the “Water Cube” in Beijing, China.(Xinhua/Zhao Peng)
Photo taken on July 31, 2008 shows press box of National Aquatics Center, nicknamed the “Water Cube” in Beijing, China.(Xinhua)
August 1, 2008
Thousand-hand Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva
Chinese dancers perform the “Thousand-hand Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva”, or “Guan Yin”, a Chinese goddess, at the Olympic Village in Beijing July 31, 2008. [Agencies]

Chinese dancers perform the “Thousand-hand Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva”, or “Guan Yin”, a Chinese goddess, at the Olympic Village in Beijing July 31, 2008. [Agencies]

Chinese dancers perform the “Thousand-hand Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva”, or “Guan Yin”, a Chinese goddess, at the Olympic Village in Beijing July 31, 2008. [Agencies]

Chinese dancers perform the “Thousand-hand Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva”, or “Guan Yin”, a Chinese goddess, at the Olympic Village in Beijing July 31, 2008. [Agencies]

Chinese dancers perform the “Thousand-hand Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva”, or “Guan Yin”, a Chinese goddess, at the Olympic Village in Beijing July 31, 2008.
July 31, 2008
Route for 2008 Olympic torch relay

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The torch for the 2008 Olympic Games has been lit successfully in ancient Olympia, Greece. The torch will begin a 130-day, 85,000-mile journey starting Monday. That will take it from the site of Olympia to Beijing, where the Summer Games is scheduled for August.
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While much of the trip will be aboard a chartered jet, tens of thousands of torch-bearers, including 19,400 in China, will carry the flame on foot through 23 cities on five continents and then throughout China, where tens of millions of ordinary people have been aspiring to see the arrival of the torch.
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The Planned Route
Hairstyles and make-up for victory ceremony hostesses
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Four models pose in their official make-up and hairstyles, that the medal presenters will wear during the victory ceremonies at the Beijing Olympic Games, in Beijing, July 11, 2008. (BOCOG)

Four models pose in their official make-up and hairstyles, that the medal presenters will wear during the victory ceremonies at the Beijing Olympic Games, in Beijing, July 11, 2008. (China Photo Press)

Four models pose in their official make-up and hairstyles, that the medal presenters will wear during the victory ceremonies at the Beijing Olympic Games, in Beijing, July 11, 2008. (China Photo Press)

Four models pose in their official make-up and hairstyles, that the medal presenters will wear during the victory ceremonies at the Beijing Olympic Games, in Beijing, July 11, 2008. (China Photo Press)
Olympic volunteers

Volunteers prepare for providing services at a street stall in Niujie street in Beijing, capital of China, July 23, 2008. As the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games approaches, more than 400,000 volunteers have been working at 550 street stalls around Beijing since July, providing information, emergency aid and translation services for people from around the world. A total of 74,615 volunteers will provide services at Games venues, the Olympic Village and media centers of the Olympic Games. In addition, one million “social volunteers” have been helping to keep traffic and maintain social order in the communities and townships of Beijing.(Xinhua Photo)

Volunteers work at a street stall at the Niujie Mosque in Beijing, capital of China, July 23, 2008. As the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games approaches, more than 400,000 volunteers have been working at 550 street stalls around Beijing since July, providing information, emergency aid and translation services for people from around the world. (Xinhua Photo)

Photo taken on July 23, 2008 shows a Fuwa, mascot of the Beijing Olympics Games, hungs at a street stall at the Niujie Mosque in Beijing, capital of China. As the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games approaches, more than 400,000 volunteers have been working at 550 street stalls around Beijing since July, providing information, emergency aid and translation services for people from around the world. (Xinhua Photo)

A volunteer (1st R), who is an Arabic translator, introduces to other volunteers how to serve people in the religious sites at the Niujie Mosque in Beijing, capital of China, July 23, 2008. As the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games approaches, more than 400,000 volunteers have been working at 550 street stalls around Beijing since July, providing information, emergency aid and translation services for people from around the world.(Xinhua Photo)

Tian Kaili, who is an Chinese-American and also a volunteer, hangs Olympic wishing cards on a tree at a street stall in Niujie street in Beijing, capital of China, July 23, 2008. As the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games approaches, more than 400,000 volunteers have been working at 550 street stalls around Beijing since July, providing information, emergency aid and translation services for people from around the world. (Xinhua Photo)
Mascots of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games
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??Like the Five Olympic Rings from which they draw their color and inspiration, Fuwa will serve as the Official Mascots of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, carrying a message of friendship and peace — and good wishes from China — to children all over the world.
??Designed to express the playful qualities of five little children who form an intimate circle of friends, Fuwa also embody the natural characteristics of four of China’s most popular animals — the Fish, the Panda, the Tibetan Antelope, the Swallow — and the Olympic Flame.
??Each of Fuwa has a rhyming two-syllable name — a traditional way of expressing affection for children in China. Beibei is the Fish, Jingjing is the Panda, Huanhuan is the Olympic Flame, Yingying is the Tibetan Antelope and Nini is the Swallow.
??When you put their names together — Bei Jing Huan Ying Ni — they say “Welcome to Beijing,” offering a warm invitation that reflects the mission of Fuwa as young ambassadors for the Olympic Games.
??Fuwa also embody both the landscape and the dreams and aspirations of people from every part of the vast country of China. In their origins and their headpieces, you can see the five elements of nature — the sea, forest, fire, earth and sky — all stylistically rendered in ways that represent the deep traditional influences of Chinese folk art and ornamentation.
??Spreading Traditional Chinese Good Wishes Wherever They Go
??In the ancient culture of China, there is a grand tradition of spreading good wishes through signs and symbols. Each of Fuwa symbolizes a different blessing — and will honor this tradition by carrying their good wishes to the children of the world. Prosperity, happiness, passion, health and good luck will be spread to every continent as Fuwa carry their invitation to Beijing 2008 to every part of the globe.
??At the heart of their mission — and through all of their work — Fuwa will seek to unite the world in peace and friendship through the Olympic spirit. Dedicated to helping Beijing 2008 spread its theme of One World, One Dream to every continent, Fuwa reflect the deep desire of the Chinese people to reach out to the world in friendship through the Games — and to invite every man, woman and child to take part in the great celebration of human solidarity that China will host in the light of the flame in 2008.
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??In China’s traditional culture and art, the fish and water designs are symbols of prosperity and harvest. And so Beibei carries the blessing of prosperity. A fish is also a symbol of surplus in Chinese culture, another measure of a good year and a good life.
??The ornamental lines of the water-wave designs are taken from well-known Chinese paintings of the past. Among Fuwa, Beibei is known to be gentle and pure. Strong in water sports, she reflects the blue Olympic ring.
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??Jingjing makes children smile — and that’s why he brings the blessing of happiness wherever he goes. You can see his joy in the charming naivety of his dancing pose and the lovely wave of his black and white fur. As a national treasure and a protected species, pandas are adored by people everywhere. The lotus designs in Jingjing’s headdress, which are inspired by the porcelain paintings of the Song Dynasty (A.D.960-1234), symbolize the lush forest and the harmonious relationship between man and nature. Jingjing was chosen to represent our desire to protect nature’s gifts — and to preserve the beauty of nature for all generations. Jingjing is charmingly na?ve and optimistic. He is an athlete noted for strength who represents the black Olympic ring.
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??In the intimate circle of Fuwa, Huanhuan is the big brother. He is a child of fire, symbolizing the Olympic Flame and the passion of sport — and passion is the blessing he bestows. Huanhuan stands in the center of Fuwa as the core embodiment of the Olympic spirit. And while he inspires all with the passion to run faster, jump higher and be stronger, he is also open and inviting. Wherever the light of Huanhuan shines, the inviting warmth of Beijing 2008 — and the wishful blessings of the Chinese people — can be felt. The fiery designs of his head ornament are drawn from the famed Dunhuang murals — with just a touch of China’s traditional lucky designs. Huanhuan is outgoing and enthusiastic. He excels at all the ball games and represents the red Olympic ring.
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??Like all antelopes, Yingying is fast and agile and can swiftly cover great stretches of land as he races across the earth. A symbol of the vastness of China’s landscape, the antelope carries the blessing of health, the strength of body that comes from harmony with nature. Yingying’s flying pose captures the essence of a species unique to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, one of the first animals put under protection in China. The selection of the Tibetan Antelope reflects Beijing commitment to a Green Olympics. His head ornament incorporates several decorative styles from the Qinghai-Tibet and Sinkiang cultures and the ethnic design traditions of Western China. Strong in track and field events, Yingying is a quick-witted and agile boy who represents the yellow Olympic ring.
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??Every spring and summer, the children of Beijing have flown beautiful kites on the currents of wind that blow through the capital. Among the kite designs, the golden-winged swallow is traditionally one of the most popular. Nini’s figure is drawn from this grand tradition of flying designs. Her golden wings symbolize the infinite sky and spread good-luck as a blessing wherever she flies. Swallow is also pronounced “yan” in Chinese, and Yanjing is what Beijing was called as an ancient capital city. Among Fuwa, Nini is as innocent and joyful as a swallow. She is strong in gymnastics and represents the green Olympic ring.
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