Perseverence of audience in heavy rain encourages athletes

Audience watch the athletics match in the heavey rain at the National Stadium，also known as the Bird's Nest, during the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, Sept. 16, 2008.

Umpires walk across the track in a line in a heavey rain at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest，during the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, Sept. 16, 2008.

Athletes get ready to set off in the heavey rain at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest，during the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, Sept. 16, 2008.