You can see the dreams in the eyes of the Chinese children as they stare at the huge stadium and the flame that burns atop it, the pride in the people having their picture taken in front of it.

It's in the smiles of the young and those only young at heart, the warmth of volunteer workers and fans, many of them displaying the red-colored attire of the Olympic host nation as they prepare to fill the Bird's Nest's 91,000 seats.

Thousands of people walk around the Olympic Green area every day near the Bird's Nest stadium and the Water Cube, a hustle and bustle that renews energy and spirit, reminding why the Olympics stir the imagination in the first place.

On the final Friday of the Beijing Olympics, these strollers and sightseers have a medal to call their own. It's the 50-kilometer walk, an early morning event mostly along Zhongzhou Road that starts and ends in the main stadium.

Some would call it Citius, Altius, Fortius, Tedious. Competitors must keep one heel on the ground at all times. There are judges watching to make certain no actual running breaks out, surely among the least fun jobs of the Olympics.

It's the athletics event for men which has no corresponding women's event, one that gives track and field the most medals on offer of any sport, one more than the combined aquatics. Are women smarter or missing out? Who's to say?

There is much to see when walking along the area. Modern art sculptures, many with Olympic themes, are all across the landscape in a plaza setting. New buildings with unique shapes dot the skyline. Tacky sponsor pavilions too.

What the Forbidden City is to China of the past, this Olympic landscape is to the future of China.

There's plenty of fencing for security, guards in uniform standing at attention even on the hottest of days. And guards to guard them. And guards to guard them by the time you reach the outer secured perimeter of the area.

But these race walkers will ignore all of that in the quest for gold even as they become a living, breathing and somewhat slow moving spectacle for those early risers wanting to catch just a glimpse of the Olympic magic.

Poland's Robert Korzeniowski has won the past three Olympic 50km walk crowns but he retired after Athens. From the sport, not walking in general.

Reigning world champion Nathan Deakes of Australia suffered a torn hamstring last month while training. Walking can be danergous.

Russia's Denis Nizhegorodov, the 2004 Olympic runner-up, is a favorite after winning the IAAF Race Walk Cup three months ago on home pavement.

One would hope they all do not miss the sights along the way. Only golf should be considered a good walk spoiled.

There's one competitor hoping that more than one Walker claims gold. That would be Brad Walker, the reigning men's pole vault champion from the United States who will seek gold Friday provided he qualifies.

"The person who is willing to risk the most is able to come out with the highest jump," Walker said.

For those who simply cannot make up their mind what discipline they like best, the 10-event decathlon is on offer. It's the second day so everyone should be really tired by the time of the concluding 1,500 meters.

Other medal events Friday include the women's long jump, women's 5,000 meters and the men's and women's 4x100m relay.

Jamaica's Usain Bolt, who set the 100m world record of 9.69 seconds Saturday night, is set to run the relay for Jamaica.

Maybe this time someone will test him and he won't ease off before the end.

AFP

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