US
(2008-08-15)
Gay of the U.S. runs in his men's 100m heat at the National Stadium during the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games
The first day of Olympic track-and-field competition has been welcomed by picture-perfect blue skies and white clouds that have taken the place of smog-filled air in Beijing.
Much of the pollution has been cleared away by heavy showers that drenched the city yesterday. The clear skies have given Beijing its first genuinely sunny day since the opening ceremony kicked off the games a week ago. Temperatures in the area are hovering around a comfortable 82 degrees with little humidity and a light breeze.
An Australian track athlete says it's the first day she "can breathe freely."
The clear weather is reflected in air quality levels. Beijing's official air pollution index measures a 17. That's the lowest mark since the city began taking drastic steps last month to curb pollution emissions.
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