Olympics 2008 Features

In photos: '2008 Olympic Games - Athletes Train and Explore Beijing'

By James Wray Aug 5, 2008, 14:12 GMT

Athletes train in the gym of the Olympic Village ahead of the 2008 Olympic Games in the in Beijing, China, 05 August 2008. The Olympic Games start on August 8th. EPA/OLIVER WEIKEN

Athletes order 'Beijing Duck' in the restaurant of the Olympic Village ahead of the 2008 Olympic Games in the in Beijing, China, 05 August 2008. The Olympic Games start on August 8th. EPA/OLIVER WEIKEN

Athletes watch a dvd movie in the recreation area of the Olympic Village ahead of the 2008 Olympic Games in the in Beijing, China, 05 August 2008. The Olympic Games start on August 8th. EPA/OLIVER WEIKEN

Athletes train in the gym of the Olympic Village ahead of the 2008 Olympic Games in the in Beijing, China, 05 August 2008. The Olympic Games start on August 8th. EPA/OLIVER WEIKEN

People trade Olympic Pins at a stall in front of the Main Press Center ahead of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, Beijing, China, 05 August 2008. EPA/GERO BRELOER

Tim Veldt (foreground) and Teun Mulder of the Netherlands train in the Laoshan Velodrome ahead of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, Beijing, China, 05 August 2008. EPA/GERO BRELOER

Irelands eventing rider Geoffrey Curran practises on his horse Kilkishen at the equestrian training ground of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Hong Kong, China, 05 August 2008 during heavy rain fall. EPA/JOCHEN LÜBKE

German dressage rider Nadine Capellmann practises on her horse Elvis at the equestrian training ground of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Hong Kong, China, 05 August 2008 during heavy rain fall. EPA/JOCHEN LÜBKE

New Zealands eventing rider Heelan Tomkins practises on her horse Sugoi at the equestrian training ground of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Hong Kong, China, 05 August 2008 during heavy rain fall. EPA/JOCHEN LÜBKE

L-R Theo Bos, Tim Veldt and Teun Mulder of the Netherlands train in the Laoshan Velodrome ahead of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, Beijing, China, 05 August 2008. EPA/GERO BRELOER

Michael Phelps of USA walks out with Lindsay Benko from the USA swimming staff after a training session in the National Aquatic Centre or Water Cube ahead of the opening of the Olympic games in Beijing, China, 05 August 2008. EPA/Patrick B. Kraemer

Australia's Kirk Palmer prepares himself for a time trial in his new Speedo LZR suits in the Australian colours during a training session at the National Aquatics Centre, known as the Water Cube, in preparation for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, Beijing, China, 05 August 2008. EPA/Patrick B. Kraemer

Kirk Palmer starts for a time trial in his new Speedo LZR suits in the Australian colours during a training session at the National Aquatics Centre, known as the Water Cube, in preparation for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, Beijing, China, 05 August 2008. EPA/Patrick B. Kraemer

French champion swimmer Laure Manaudou wraps herself in a towel during a training session at the National Aquatics Centre, known as the Water Cube, in preparation for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, Beijing, China, 05 August 2008. EPA/Patrick B. Kraemer EPA/Patrick B. Kraemer EPA/Patrick B. Kraemer

Paramilitary police line up outside the National Stadium for an opening ceremony dress rehearsal ahead of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, Beijing, China, 05 August 2008 EPA/FRANK MAY

French champion swimmer Frederick Bousquet stretches during a training session at the National Aquatics Centre, known as the Water Cube, in preparation for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, Beijing, China, 05 August 2008. EPA/Patrick B. Kraemer EPA/Patrick B. Kraemer

Spectators walks in front of the Ling Lang broadcasting outside the National Stadium to an opening ceremony dress rehearsal ahead of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, Beijing, China, 05 August 2008 EPA/FRANK MAY

Paramilitary police line up outside the National Stadium for an opening ceremony dress rehearsal ahead of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, Beijing, China, 05 August 2008 EPA/KERIM OKTEN

An Olympic volunteer works outside the National Stadium during an opening ceremony dress rehearsal ahead of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, Beijing, China, 05 August 2008. EPA/KERIM OKTEN

A Chinese soldier gestures in front of the National Stadium know as the Bird Nest before an opening ceremony dress rehearsal takes place ahead of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, Beijing, China, 05 August 2008 EPA/KERIM OKTEN