The New Nation - Internet Edition

OLYMPIC Games is marked each time by the creation of newer records. The first five days after the spectacular opening of the 29th Olympics in Beijing, saw new records in some events. American superstar Michael Phelps obliterated his own previous world record in men's 400 metres individual medley in four minutes and 03.84 seconds. This 'Baltimore Bullet' carved off his previous record of 04:05.25 by 1.41 seconds. Phelps had won six gold medals at the Athens Olympics held in 2004. Now, this wonder boy of swimming is reported to have set a personal target of winning eight gold medals to break the 36-year-old record of seven golds of Mark Spitz at the Munich Olympics in 1972. Australia's Stephanie Rice set a new world record in women's 400 metres medley breaking the previous record of Katie Hoff of the USA. Chen Xiexia of China lifted 95kg in the women's weightlifting competition setting a new Olympic record. Newer records are being set as days of the competition pass by.

Every new record represents man's success to achieve excellence and even greater perfection in physical performances. This never-ending search for perfection is possible only on the part of human beings. As days are passing by human beings are lifting themselves to even higher planes. These records are set in an atmosphere where everyone's success is a source of joy for all. Herein lies the significance of sports in uniting the human kind in a world marked by hunger and starvation, conflicts and contradictions. Let the spirit of the Olympics prevail over the forces of darkness and lead mankind to a newer height of excellence in all fields.