BEIJING - Beijing finally cooled on Tuesday as a brief heavy shower embraced the city around noon after a hot and humid week.
An Olympic countdown clock reading 9 days before the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games on Tian'anmen Square in Beijing is seen July 29, 2008. [Xinhua] |
The rain, though lasting only 10 minutes, will hopefully help restore confidence in the city's air quality, according to Guo Hu, Beijing Meteorological Observatory director.
"The rare lack of rain and wind to blow away accumulated emissions contributed to the city's substandard air quality," he said, admitting a number of days had failed to meet the local standard for good air quality despite the capital's car control measures.
"The temperature and humidity will gradually drop and we will have better air quality and more comfortable weather in August."
His confidence was shared by many as the city goes through every detail to fulfill the dream of billions on its 10-day countdown to the August Olympics.
With the Beijing Olympic Games around the corner, eager Chinese are crossing fingers for a gold spree on home soil. Du Li, a gold medal winner in the women's 10-meter air rifle at the 2004 Athens Olympics, bears the expectation of millions to score the Game's first win.
The 26-year-old, who established a new world record for women's 10-meter air rifle in 2003 just one year after she entered the national team, further impressed the world the following year with her Athens victory.
However, the native of the eastern Shandong Province has struggled of late.
During three World Cup events this year, Du pocketed only one gold medal in the 50-meter rifle three positions, rather than in her speciality event, the 10-meter air rifle. Her second best result was a fourth.
The so-called home advantage at the upcoming Games may turn into a disadvantage for Du in defending as applause and spectators' cheers might add burden in a sport where psychological stability is most important.
Despite the difficulties, Du is eager for a good result. "Maybe this is the only chance for me to compete in the Olympic Games hosted by my own country."
Wang Yifu, the national shooting team head coach, said, "The main focus of the shooters at this point of time is the adjustment of their psychological status rather than refining technical skills."
Du and her teammates will leave for the Olympic Village on August 3.
The Olympic Village officially opened its gates on Sunday. By July 28, delegations and advance teams from more than 70 countries had arrived at the 66-hectare complex.
From Italian lasagna to Beijing roast duck to kosher foods, athletes from more than 200 countries and regions may find their favorite home foods in the village.
