Aug 23 - As a volunteer working in the press operations area of the National Aquatics Center, popularly known as the Water Cube, I was granted precious opportunities to explore some of the "restricted areas" that the general public is not allowed to enter. Two particularly interesting areas were the Runway and the Underwater Windows.
Standing on the Runway, one can easily reach up and touch the "bubbles" on the roof
The Runway, over 25 meters above the ground and within reach of the roof, is an ideal spot from which to photograph the swimming and diving competitions. From such a height, one would have no chance of surviving a fall, and therefore, anyone walking along this passage is required to wear a safety strap around the waist. The duty of the volunteers was to guide photographers to a desired vantage point, making sure that they proceed safely. This job would be a great challenge for someone like me who suffers from acrophobia. Yet, several days' experience on the Runway allowed me to overcome my fear in order to fulfill my task. The reward was significant - from the Runway, one has a fantastic view of the entire venue, with its blue and white seats forming the image of water spray, and the seated people reduced to the size of ants.
Huge amplifiers suspended from the Runway
The color pattern of the seats evokes an image of water spray
In contrast to the fearful heights of the Runway, the Underwater Windows, an innovative brainchild of designer Zhao Xiaojun, are situated at the very bottom of the venue, replacing part of the walls of the swimming pool. The Underwater Windows allow photographers to observe and shoot the athletes' underwater movements. We volunteers were among the few to enjoy the vantage of the Underwater Windows because even photographers were not allowed in during competition for fear that flash photography would affect athletes' performance. Even during athletes training, access was limited for the concern of privacy.
A Japanese photographer busy taking photos
Through the Windows, we were able to observe the athletes from different countries training. It is interesting to note that synchronized swimmers, while displaying poise and grace above the water, actually have to make strenuous effort while under water in order to maintain their balance. Watching them vehemently thrust their arms and legs about so as to keep balance made us laugh when we saw it for the first time. I couldn't help but be reminded of ducks swimming about in a pond. But it was an absolutely magical experience when the shadows of water ripples thus created were cast upon us.
Synchronized swimmers during training--taken from the Underwater Windows Passage
As a volunteer assigned to the Water Cube, I was able to witness up close and personally the dedication of the athletes to their career, and of the journalists to their duty of making sure that the Olympic Games can be enjoyed by all.
Photos provided by Yang Shuchao
