BEIJING - Smog? What smog?
Pollution concerns evaporated Friday under a picture-perfect canopy of blue skies and white clouds on the first day of the Olympic Games' signature track-and-field events.
Heavy showers that drenched the city on Thursday cleared away much of the pollution, giving Beijing its first genuinely sunny day since the opening ceremony kicked off a week ago. Temperatures hovered around a comfortable 28 degrees Celsius (82 Fahrenheit) with little humidity and a light breeze.
The heavy haze, along with the heat and humidity, that had shrouded the city for days disappeared, giving spectators and athletes alike a clear view from the 91,000-seat Birds Nest stadium.
Air quality levels reflected the crystalline skies. Beijing's official air pollution index was at 17