Randomly interesting Olympic news of the last few days

Beautiful blue sky day in Beijing today (Aug 15).
1: One of our female US Olympic Committee staff got formally asked out by a Chinese security guard! He didn't even speak English and had to ask a translator to relay the dinner invitation....too bad she didn't go for it.
2: I was forced to manage the USOC transportation at headquarters for a little bit because the transportation staff obtained a last minute swimming ticket in the water cube....So he sneaked out for a couple hours.
3: At the beach volleyball tournament, the Chinese crowds were singing all of these communist songs from the 50s.....even the English commentator was chiming in.
4: The Holland prince arrived at the Hilton while I was giving directions to a driver....and I was stuck with half of my body in the van and half outside since we weren't allowed to "move" until the important guy has stepped out of his motorcade and walked into the Hilton. This has happened previously when George Bush 41st arrived at the house and the Mongolian president arrived at the Hilton.
4: At the tennis tournament (USA v Russia), American crowds were chanting "USA Jiayou!"....or add petrol for the USA.....wow the Americans are really learning from the Chinese now...even adopting the Chinese chants.
5: The US-China women's volleyball game is dubbed the "peace tournament" since the US coach Lang Ping is a Chinese celebrity (her nickname is the iron hammer). Chinese lost to team USA by such an excruciatingly few points....the Chinese are disappointed , since they were after all gold medalist in 2004.

(Aug 14)
(Aug 14)
1: Lopez Lomong (the flag bearer of the team USA during the opening ceremonies) was at the house yesterday. Look at this picture of him next to his picture carrying the flag!!

(Aug 13)
The US volleyball team had their reception at the USA house. You don't realize how big these players are until you are standing right next to them. The celebrity Lang Ping coach was right there! Apparently she came in through a side door so that she won't be swamped by Chinese fans. Michael Phelps was apparently at the house in the afternoon.