THE WORLD looked on in awe in 2008 when Beijing hosted the Olympic Games.
Back then, China was praised for staging an incredible show for the entire globe to watch thanks to a combination of incredible architectural feats and excellent organisation.
But the state of the Olympic stadiums and venues from 15 years ago, which China splashed £32BILLION on, has left the world in shock.
The water-sport parks are now completely dried-up, including the once glittering white-water rafting run which is now in absolute ruin.
It now appears to be little more than a concrete eyesore.
The beach volleyball stands are now reduced to rust and rotting wood.
Read More on Football
'THEATRE OF CHIPS'
Inside abandoned football stadium where Arsenal and Chelsea once played
EURO CASH
Europa League free bets: Get £40 football welcome bonus with Betfred
And the once show-stopping BMX track now looks more like a jungle with a rusty frame poking its ugly head through the greenery.
Sprawled across Beijing are more haunting reminders of the memorable Games.
Mascots including Nini, Yingjing and Beibei are lying in tatters across the grounds.
Once sparkling signage is now covered in grime or warped through weathering.
Most read in Athletics
POLE POSITION
Meet pole vaulter Clara Fernandez, who leaves fans stunned on social media
‘SPOOKY SZN’
World’s sexiest swimmer Andreea Dragoi stuns in very risky Halloween outfit
THE FAST LIFE
The life of Martin Lewis Money Show co-host and sprinter Jeanette Kwakye
LAUR-SOME
Glam Brit athlete Lauryn Davey shows off figure in selfie as fans left stunned
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
But the impressive Bird's Nest Stadium is still in use to this day and it would appear to be the only one still going strong.
Beijing is not the only host city to fall foul of the post-Olympics hangover.
Rio de Janeiro is suffering a similar fate after the 2016 Games and the same goes for Athens after they hosted the Olympics in 2004.
In Brazil, a number of venues are in utter disrepair with their £9billion Games legacy in tatters.
The same goes for Greece where their Olympic Stadium, which holds a larger capacity than all English grounds except Old Trafford and Wembley, had to shut down recently due to poor maintenance.
Now we wait and see how Tokyo deals with its venues after the 2020 Olympics.
Source: Read Full Article
