2008 Beijing Olympic Games

OLYMPICS / Editors picks

	High-speed railway on track for Olympics The tracks for the Beijing-to-Tianjin inter-city express train have now been laid. The new rail link is expected to offer the fastest passenger service in the country, with a maximum speed of 350 kilometers per hour.

	IOC strips Marion Jones´ Sydney Olympics medals The International Olympic Committee formally stripped Marion Jones of her five Olympic medals on Wednesday.

	Liu Xiang named as candidate for IOC Athlete´s Commission Champion Chinese hurdler Liu Xiang has been named as one of 31 candidates in elections for the International Olympic Committee Athletes' Commission.

	Confucius serves as cultural ambassador Since it was launched in late 2004, the Confucius Institute has served as a bridge between China and other countries.

	Construction begins in new Beijing subway lines Construction has kicked off on five new subway lines in the capital of Beijing.

	Capital Indoor Stadium ready for Games Built in late 1960’s, it was China’s biggest stadium for 40 years. It seats about 18,000 people.

	Youngsters cheer for Beijing Olympics The Beijing Olympics has generated overwhelming enthusiasm in China. One way young people are showing their support is through taking part in a cheerleading contest in Beijing

	Games volunteer applicants exceed 1.5 mln Over 1.5 million people have so far applied to volunteer for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.