The Water Cube

It's innovative and modern.

Check out some of the first photos of the National Aquatic Center in Beijing, China. The Center, nicknamed "The Water Cube," will be the site of some of the most exciting sporting events of the Summer Olympics in 2008. Events include swimming, diving, synchronized swimming and water polo matches.

The Water Cube's unique, soap bubble structual design embodies concepts for a very GREEN Olympics. You can read more about this environmentally friendly design on the official site for the 2008 Olympic Games, http://en.beijing2008.cn/77/47/article214004777.shtml.

The Aquatics Center will hold 17,000 spectators and boasts an impressive view of the pools from all angles.

PTW Architects partnered with the China State Construction Engineering Corporation to build this one-of-a-kind structure. The Water Cube is expected to be completed in October 2007. To read more about the thinking behind the Cube's impressive features, click: http://www.arup.com/eastasia/project.cfm?pageid=1250

To give you a better idea of the scope of these "soap bubbles," take a look at the silouhetted Chinese worker who walks along the steel beams of the structure.

The photos included in this blog are courtesy of the Beijing Olympic Committee and PTW Architects. For more information and/or pictures, please access their sites at the links included above.

Splash Magazine Contest

According to USA Swimming's website (listed on our Link List), Splash Magazine wants to hear from YOU!

Got a picture that you think fits the theme: "Working or Training Hard"? They want to see it! One winner will be featured in the May/June issue of Splash Magazine. Other great submissions will be featured in USA Swimming's website photo gallery.

Article: Phelps Chases 8 Golds in Beijing

Along with US teammates Katie Hoff, Ryan Loche and Megan Jendrick, Michael Phelps visited Beijing and Shanghai, China to promote the Special Olympics scheduled to take place in the China in October.

However, it was the 2008 Summer Olympics on the minds and lips of reporters at the press conference. Following Phelps' SEVEN "golden" performances in Melbourne, Australia at the FINA World Swimming Championships which concluded April 1st, many wonder what Phelps' plans are for Beijing.

Check out the link above for the article.