Jamaican runner Usain Bolt (center) (Photo credit: Xinhua)
(BEIJING, August 18) -- Since last Friday, August 15, when the Olympic Athletics competitions kicked off, the National Stadium has seen almost a full house every day as spectators from home and abroad flooded the stands to catch a glimpse of the action.
The National Stadium, or the "Bird's Nest," has a capacity of 91,000.
Jacques Rogge, IOC president, was quite satisfied with the venue's organization and environment. He attended the first day of Athletics competitions on August 15, and said jokingly that he saw only two vacant seats in front of him.
Last Sunday, August 17, the Women's Marathon event kicked off at Tian'anmen Square at 7:30 a.m. After 2 hours and 26 minutes, 38-year-old Romanian Constantina Tomesku dashed across the finish line at the "Bird's Nest." Tens of thousands of spectators greeted her with cheers and applause. Many of these fans arrived at the stadium around 7:00 a.m., and waited over two hours to root for the athletes in their last push to the finish.
On the morning of Monday, August 18, famous Chinese hurdler Liu Xiang withdrew from the 110m event because of a foot injury. This sad news did not affect the occupancy of the venue -- the National Stadium was full of fans on Monday night.
The 'Bird’s Nest' sees the final of the Men’s 3000m Steeplechase. (Photo credit: Xinhua)
In the past four days, records have fallen one after another at the "Bird's Nest." Those at the stadium will not easily forget the moment history was made as Jamaican Usain Bolt claimed the title of the fastest man in the world, clocking 9.69 in the Men's 100m.
Undoubtedly, spectators at the "Bird's Nest" will have more incredible stories to tell as the Games continue.
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