Inside the National Aquatics Center

Inside the National Aquatics Center

During the 2008 Beijing Olympics, much of the spotlight will be on the National Aquatics Center, and with good reason.  At the National Aquatics Center, gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded in 42 events in categories like swimming and diving.  Obviously, if you’re a fan of water sports, the National Aquatics Center is where the action will be this summer at the Beijing Olympics.

The National Aquatics Center was inaugurated on January 28, 2008, after four years of construction.  The groundbreaking happened in December of 2003, and construction began immediately after on the state of the art facility.  By the end of 2005, the concrete structure was finished and the steel structure was nearly finished being installed.  In August of the following  year, the first of the air cushions was installed, and by the end of the year, membrane structures were also introduced on the outside of the National Aquatics Center.  In 2007, decorating, municipal engineering works, and electro-mechanical equipment was completed and installed, finishing the construction of the facility.

The “Water Cube”, as the National Aquatics Center is also known, is hailed as an environmentally friendly facility.  Among the “green” design choices include surface water exploitation and enhanced air-conditioning and ventilation systems.  However, the most impressive aspect of the environmentally sound design is the outer surface of the National Aquatics Center.  The outer surface can collect up to 10,000 tons of water from rain, 70,000 tons of water that is clean, and 60,000 tons of water for the swimming pool each year, along with saving approximately 140,000 tons of recycled water every year.

The National Aquatics Center is also sure to turn heads with its futuristic and high-tech look.  Supposedly, the facility will last 100 years due to the strength of the membrane structure’s stability.  Adding to the aesthetic wonders of the facility is a moat that surrounds the National Aquatics Center.  This moat of sorts also has a practical effect, keeping spectators from touching the bubbly surface of the facility.  Designers are sure that birds will steer clear of the “Water Cube” as well, as they do not rest themselves on transparent or semitransparent objects.

If you’re attending the Beijing Olympics this summer, you’ll be glad to know that the National Aquatics Center is also easily accessible, whether you choose public transportation or a personal vehicle to reach the facility.  The “Water Cube” is located close to the Olympic Green Central Zone, and is also on the Beijing Subway Olympic branch line, that will service travelers to the National Aquatics Center, among other destinations.  If you would rather drive yourself, there is a large amount of parking space available in an underground parking lot beneath the venue, as well as in a separate parking lot to the north of the National Aquatics Center.

Besides its useful features, the National Aquatics Center is, let’s face it, just plain cool.  It produces an instantly distinctive, modern look that also provides environmentally friendly perks.  It seats 17,000 people, while using all of the latest technology to amaze each and every one of them.  Have we mentioned that it looks cool?  During the daytime, it will give a translucent blue shine, while at night it will provide glowing bubbles to impressed visitors.

In the 2008 Beijing Olympics, many stars will be born.  With the National Aquatics Center, the people of Beijing already have a star in the making that will help this summer’s Olympic Games have a flavor all their own.

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Inspirational Athletes of the 2008 Beijing Olympics

The Olympic Games are not only a platform for competition and entertainment, but they can also serve to inspire people, even those of us who will never be Olympic athletes.  During each installment of the Olympic Games, there are many inspirational stories and athletes that emerge, and though the Games haven’t begun, the 2008 Beijing Olympics is already no exception to this trend.  Let’s discuss some of the inspirational athletes that will aspire to compete in this year’s Olympic Games.

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Recently, Oscar Pistorius of South Africa has become a huge story due to his battle to be included in the running for participation in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.  You may have already heard of him, or even seen clips of him in action on television or elsewhere.  If so, you’d know him immediately.  Why?  Because he was born without fibulas in either of his legs, and is a double-amputee as a result.

Pistorius had both of his legs amputated below the knee, and is only able to run because of custom made carbon fiber “blades” that are shaped much like a normal leg and foot are.  The blades (nicknamed “Cheetah” blades by some) allow Pistorius to maintain balance and propel himself as an able-bodied runner does.  Now, if Pistorius was merely able to compete after all he’s been through, that would be inspirational enough.  However, Pistorius doesn’t just compete, he wins.

Pistorius, who is a former athlete in other sports, such as rugby, wrestling, and tennis, has dominated at Paralympic events, which is impressive in its own right, as he has set world records in the 100, 200, and 400 meter runs for Paralympic athletes.  However, Pistorius didn’t stop there.  He has also experienced success while competing against able-bodied competitors, even winning events such as the 400 meters in his native South Africa.

Sadly, Pistorius was originally barred from competing against able-bodied athletes, but after an appeal and studies by scientists who insist that Pistorius’ blades give him no unfair advantage, Pistorius has earned the right to try to participate in the 2008 Olympic Games.  He has a bit of work to do, as his best time is one second off of the Olympic qualifying standard for the 400 meters, but Pistorius is used to overcoming odds.

Meanwhile, middle-aged people everywhere will be rooting for American swimmer Dara Torres.  Torres competed in her first Olympics in 1984, believe it or not, and will be competing in her record fifth Olympic Games if she qualifies for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.  At 41 years old (and after having a baby a few years ago), Torres is somehow swimming better than ever.

Torres’ success is the result of hard work, diligent training, and intelligence.  Since she can’t train as hard as her younger counterparts, she must train smarter than they do.  She spends only about half as much time in the pool as she did earlier in her career, but has managed to swim faster times than she did then.  She has lost weight since her last Olympic appearance, but has simultaneously increased her strength, through a dedicated and smart weight training program.

Unlike younger athletes, Dara Torres must take even more care of herself than the average Olympic athlete.  Since her body doesn’t recover as well as a twenty year old’s after a difficult workout, Torres simply must make the most of her workouts, while spending more time recovering properly.  Regular massages and other types of therapy help her to train at a high level, despite her age.

Clearly, if Torres is able to qualify, and better yet, win at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, it will be a victory for not just her, but 40-year olds everywhere!  However, everyone can take something away from witnessing athletes like Torres and Pistorius, who refuse to let the limitations others put on them form their own realities.  After all, if Torres can swim competitively at age 41, and Pistorius can run with the best of them as a double-amputee, think of the things you can accomplish!

Lodging Options at the Beijing Olympics

If you’re among the many that will be traveling to Beijing, China to be part of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games, you’ll have to consider where you will stay as you make your plans.  Luckily, there are many options available in the Beijing area as well as in nearby surrounding cities.  Between high class hotels, guest houses, hostels and other accommodations, there is bound to be something that will suit your needs during the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

The Beijing Hotel is among the five star hotels available for those visiting Beijing during the Olympic Games.  It’s located conveniently in downtown Beijing, near shopping centers and other places you’ll likely want to visit.  In addition, it’s a short walk from the famous Tian’anment Square as well.  Rooms are known for being very large and spacious, and a variety of amenities, including laundry service and meeting facilities, are available.  

Other five star accommodations include the romantic Grand Hotel Beijing, which is a posh hotel that features fine dining and artistic design and decorating.  The Beijing International Hotel provides five star comfort in a more modern setting, and is located in the center of Beijing.  There is a shopping area and spa on site to add to the enjoyment of your stay.

If you are a football (that’s “soccer” to you U.S. fans) fan, you may be willing to stay outside of Beijing in a neighboring city, like Tianjin, Shenyang, Shanghai, or Qinhuangdao.  These cities are a quick trip from Beijing and offer you convenient access to football matches throughout the Olympic Games.  These cities, particularly Shanghai and Tianjin, also provide excellent tourism opportunities and will give your trip to China for the Beijing Olympics a different flavor.

Similarly, sailing enthusiasts may want to stay in a hotel within the beautiful city of Qingdao.  Qingdao and its Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center is home to sailing events during the 2008 Beijing Olympics.  Qingdao features very favorable weather conditions during the summer months, and also boasts a variety of lodging options for those who are interested.

If equestrian sports are more your style, consider staying outside Beijing in one of the many hotels in Hong Kong.  Hong Kong’s  two equestrian centers will be hosting all equestrian events during the 2008 Beijing Olympics, so you might as well stay there if those are your biggest interests!  Hong Kong is an internationally known city that is a center of culture and commerce in China.  You are sure to find a great place to stay there, and you will have much to do aside from attending the actual Olympic Games themselves.

Of course, you’ll have to be willing to do some research if you want to find the most appropriate lodging choice for you or your family during the 2008 Beijing Olympics.  Luckily, the internet makes this easier than ever, as you can usually view hotels inside and out and compare prices without leaving your computer desk.  You’ll want to hurry up and make reservations quickly if you haven’t already, so make sure to complete your research soon!

China has a lot to offer culturally, and with the 2008 Summer Olympic Games belonging to the city of Beijing, now is the perfect time to explore China and its great cities.  With a little effort, you can find the perfect lodging choice for you, and get ready to enjoy your Olympic experience!

Male Athletes to Watch in the Beijing Olympics

Each edition of the Olympic Games showcases some of the finest athletes in the world doing what they do best while representing their home countries.  This year’s Games in Beijing, China, will be no different.  There are so many great athletes, both male and female, that it can be hard to know who to look out for.  Here’s a few of the athletes on the male side that you’ll want to keep an eye on during the Beijing Olympic Games.

Yao Ming is a Chinese basketball player who has blossomed to one of the best players in the entire world, and most likely the best player at his position anywhere.  Yao has succeeded in the NBA, becoming the first Chinese player to do so, and has experienced international success in the past, being named to All-Tournament teams at the Olympics and World Championships.  Yao’s ultimate goal is to bring a gold medal to China, and the fact that this year’s Olympics are in his own home country only intensifies this desire.  At over seven feet fall, Yao possesses uncommon agility, shooting ability, and passing, and will be playing his best basketball when the Olympic Games begin in Beijing.  Don’t miss a moment of Yao and company on the court!

While we’re talking basketball, we have to discuss United States basketball superstar Kobe Bryant.  Bryant is arguably the most exciting player in the world, and is in the prime of his career.  This year, he won the NBA MVP Award for the first time in his career, while taking his team, the Los Angeles Lakers, to new heights.  Able to soar in the air for acrobatic baskets as well as playing great defense and getting teammates involved, Bryant is the ultimate basketball weapon and is devoted to getting the United States back to the top of the international basketball world.  Bryant has proven his dedication by refusing to get surgery on his injured finger until after the Olympic Games.  Bryant is not only one of the most exciting athletes in the Olympic basketball tournament, but in the entire Olympic Games.

You would be hard pressed to find a more inspirational athlete than South Africa’s Oscar Pistorius.  Pistorius was born lacking fibulas in both of his legs, and as a result has been a double-amputee basically all of his life.  However, Pistorius never let his setbacks define him, as he’s competed in many sports throughout his life, most at a very high level.  During rehabilitation from a rugby injury years ago, Pistorius fell in love with running, and with carbon fiber blades that allow him to run like an able-bodied athletes, he’s shattered Paralympic sprinting records, and even competed favorably against able-bodied athletes.  If Pistorius can either beat the qualifying time he needs for the 400 meters or be invited to be on the South African relay team, he’ll be possibly the biggest story of the entire Beijing Olympics.

This may seem like a cop-out, but it’s impossible to really single out any of them, so make sure to watch the entire Brazilian soccer team.  Team Brazil came in second place in the 2006 World Cup, then finished first in the 2007 Copa America, and seem primed for success in Beijing.  An extremely fun team to watch, their team includes some of the most exciting players in the world, such as Ronaldinho and Robinho.

Again, there are many more athletes that you’ll want to watch this summer during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, but this list is a good start.  Every athlete that reaches the Olympic level is worth watching and will amaze you with their athletic ability, but some athletes always rise above the top with their skill, natural ability, hard work, dedication and perseverance.  If you get a chance to watch these talented and inspirational performers, make sure you take advantage of it!

Olympic Boxing for Beginners

There are few Olympic sports which have the historic tradition that Olympic boxing has built over the years.  Great boxers such as Oscar de la Hoya, George Foreman, and “The Greatest” himself, Muhammad Ali (then known as Cassius Clay) have fought and succeeded on the international stage at the Summer Olympic Games.  Nowadays, it lives on as one of the more popular, and sometimes controversial, Olympic sports.  Whether you’ll be watching along with 13,000 other fans at the Worker’s Indoor Arena, or watching from the comfort of your own home, let’s prepare yourself for boxing at the 2008 Beijing Olympics with this basic history and explanation of Olympic boxing.

Surprisingly, the first modern Olympics didn’t include boxing as an Olympic sport.  The reason?  It was considered too violent.  However, in 1904 boxing debuted at the St. Louis Olympic Games, albeit only as a demonstration sport.  In 1908, boxing was included as a medal sport in London, but was once again, not a part of the Olympics in Stockholm, Sweden four years later.  Finally, in the 1920 Olympic Games, boxing returned to stay (there were no 1916 Olympics).  

There has never been women’s boxing in the Olympic Games, though in 2012 there will be for the first time ever.  Somewhat appropriately, London will host those Summer Olympics, since London was also host when boxing first appeared as a medal sport in 1908.

Olympic boxing is notable for several reasons.  For one, there are actually two bronze medals in Olympic boxing.  Each loser in the two semifinal bouts receives a bronze medal.  Also, the boxing tournament is a single elimination one, so there is very little margin for error- actually, there is none.

Some of the rules and guidelines of Olympic boxing are different from the professional boxing ones that many fans are more familiar with.  Olympic boxing separates competitors into twelve weight classes, ranging from light flyweight (approximately 106 pounds) to super heavyweight (over 200 pounds).  Also, all competitors are made to wear headgear, similar to amateur boxing in the United States.

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Some of the rules of Olympic boxing, particularly the scoring and judging system, have been controversial over the years.  In Olympic boxing, points are scored by hitting the opponent in the head or torso, as long as it is a legal blow.  Judges don’t score the bouts by round, giving ten points to the winner.  Instead, they use an electronic scoring system to register how many punches land.

When a punch lands, the judge presses a button, and if three of the five judges do so, a point is registered.  Judges must also hit the button within one second of the others.  However, if a flurry is exchanged, judges are told to wait until it is over, than give a point to whomever they feel got the better of the exchange.  As you can see, the judging is quirky, to say the least.

At the end of the fight, if the time is up and neither fighter has been defeated, points are added up to decide the winner.  If the fight is a draw, the judges vote based upon who they felt fought the better fight.  However, there are no points awarded for a knockdown, so a punch that results in a downed opponent is no more valuable than a jab that lands, if a knockout doesn’t result.  Similarly to in most boxing bouts, three knockdowns in a single round result in a technical knockout, although in the Olympic Games, four knockdowns in a total fight also give the same result.

The combination of these somewhat strange rules and judging guidelines have led to some controversial decisions and frustration from fans and competitors alike.  However, Olympic boxing has remained as one of the purest outlets for boxers to ply their trades, and also remains one of the greatest tests possible for the world’s top amateur pugilists.

Oscar Pistorius Can Compete in Beijing Olympics

One of the early stories of the 2008 Beijing Olympics has been the plight of double-amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius of South Africa.  Born with a condition called congenital absence of the fibula in both of his legs, Pistorius has learned to be a world class sprinter with the help of carbon fiber “blades” that allow him to run much in the manner of an able-bodied athlete.

In January of 2008, the IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations) had ruled that since his carbon fiber blades supposedly gave him an advantage over his able-bodied counterparts that he could not race against them in competitions, including the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China.

Much of the IAAF’s reasoning was based on a German professor’s research, which led to a belief that the carbon fiber blades, dubbed “Cheetah” blades, were unfair because of their energy efficiency.  However, Pistorius and his lawyers had their own independent tests conducted that claimed that the contrary was true, and that all the carbon fiber blades accomplish is to put Pistorius on “equal ground” with able-bodied competitors.

Since then, Pistorius has spent much of his time appealing the ruling to the CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sport) to try to get the IAAF’s ruling overturned.  Once the ruling finally was overturned, Pistorius could finally get back to the business of training, so that he could make a run at participating in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

The challenges are far from behind him, however.  Pistorius has a lot of work to do to shave about a second off of his best 400 meter time (46.56 seconds), which he will have to do to reach the qualifying time required for the Olympic Games.  Of course, the South African team can still include Pistorius in a relay squad, if they choose.  If they do so, it’s sure to be one of the top stories in the entire Beijing Olympics.

Pistorius is proud of the fact that the decision was overturned, as this decision could represent a precedent that can be used to help decide similar cases in the future.  In that sense, Pistorius has won a battle for all athletes that are born with disadvantages.  

There is still some controversy, as there are those who maintain that only able-bodied competitors should be able to compete in the Olympic Games, but for the most part, the world celebrates with Pistorius following his successful appeal.

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The tenacity and determination that Pistorius showed by appealing the initial ruling, rather than just accepting it and moving on, is a symbol of the determination that has also made him great on the track- able to compete against those who would appear to have an advantage over him.

To prepare, Pistorius will continue running in competitions against both able-bodied and Paralympic competitors to get himself sharp again.  In the worst case scenario, if Pistorius fails to qualify for the Beijing Olympics and isn’t selected to be part of a relay team, Pistorius claims he will be undeterred.  He will merely focus his energy on preparing for the 2012 Olympic Games instead.  This kind of determination and perseverance in the face of adversity is what makes Pistorius the embodiment of a true Olympic athlete, despite the fact that he is a double-amputee.

The 2008 Beijing Olympics: What to Watch For

The Olympic Games have always been a captivating event for spectators to behold.  Each edition of the Summer Olympic Games presents its own storylines, memorable moments, heroes, and inspirational events.  This year, there will be many great stories that come seemingly out of nowhere, but there are also great stories that have already been set up, that will keep the attention of viewers worldwide as the 2008 Beijing Olympics join sports history as one of the biggest events ever.

With all the events taking place and athletes competing, it can be hard to even know what to follow.  Here’s a beginner’s guide to a few of the stories to watch as the Beijing Olympics draw progressively nearer.

https://beijingolympics2022.blogspot.com

In 2004’s Summer Olympic Games in Athens, one of the biggest surprises was the collapse of the U.S. men’s basketball team.  The team started out with a loss to Puerto Rico, and would go on to lost two more games en route to a bronze medal.  The three losses in the 2004 Olympic Games surpassed the number of losses that the U.S. team had endured in Olympic history before that point.

After another disappointing third place finish at the 2006 World Championships, the 2008 U.S. men’s basketball team will look to reclaim their former glory.  The team is taking a different direction, as coaches and USA Basketball have attempted to form a cohesive team that will play as a unit rather than yet another thrown together roster of NBA All-Stars.  Only time will tell if the team will win the gold against an emerging world of basketball superstars that continue to grow in talent.

It will also be fun to watch China’s athletes compete in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.  Athletes always compete a little harder in their home country, and the Chinese athletes are certain to be ready when the Olympics commence in Beijing this summer.  In 2004’s Olympic Games in Athens, China finished second overall with 32 gold medals, so they have set the stage for Olympic dominance.  With strong athletes in nearly every Olympic sport, it will be interesting to see what kind of effort China’s athletes can put together as they host athletes from all over the world in the 2008 Olympic Games.

Track and field events are always among the most anticipated, but this year there may be an unprecedented newcomer to one or more events.  Oscar Pistorius, born without fibulas in either of his legs, is a double-amputee athlete who runs with the use of carbon fiber “blades” nicknamed “Cheetahs” that help him run like an able-bodied athlete.  After initially being told he couldn’t compete in this year’s Olympics because a German scientist believed that the blades gave Pistorius an unfair advantage, Pistorius successfully appealed the ruling and will be free to qualify for this year’s Olympic Games in Beijing.

If Pistorius can better his time in the 400 meters (which is one second off of Olympic qualifying pace), he will make history when he lines up on the track this summer.  Even if he does not meet the required time, he may still be selected to race as part of his native South African relay team.  If Pistorius does compete, you won’t want to miss it.

Finally, 41-year old Dara Torres is spicing up the swimming world with her possible participation in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.  Torres would set a number of records, including most Olympic appearances by a swimmer (5) and oldest swimmer to compete in the Olympics, if she is able to successfully qualify.  Her road to doing so appears to be pretty certain, as she is actually swimming faster than she did years ago when she was an Olympian!  You’ll want to follow this amazing and inspirational athlete in Beijing, whether you’re a fan of swimming or not.

These are just a few of the intriguing stories that have presented themselves already as the Olympics get closer.  Make sure to catch the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China so that you won’t miss out on any of the historic events that are sure to happen.

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