Visit to Chinese Christian book store and 'Birds Nest' Stadium

Apologies for delay starting the daily posts, had a problem web wise here in Beijing but this has now been resolved.

Today we visited a Christian book shop in Beijing, small but well organised they have recieved many copies of Running the Race in Chinese, John signed all of them. Very friendly and welcoming staff.

We then went on to the Bird's Nest stadium It and the concourse were very impressive, as we paused to get a picture of JK with the book and stadium as a back drop, what should start playing on the PA system but the theme tune from Chariots of Fire!!! Perfect timing. The Chinese authorities have done a wonderful job providing the Olympic facilities. We took our places in the stadium and were privileged to see a World record in the 200 metres by Usain Bolt (19.30) winning the by 5 metres. John noticed the exaggerated celebrations after the win, quite a contrast to the comment made after Eric Liddell's win in 1924 that, 'with every haste he took his leave of the cheering multitude' This just seemed to highlight a contemporary immodesty in success, and we cant help but think that by contrast to this, modesty is a far more attractive quality. Nevertheless, the physical achievements in modern athletics are amazing. Yet, happily, one of the biggest cheers of the night was for a runner who finished last in his 5000 metres heat, some 2 laps behind the rest. His had as good a spirit as any on display.