Stadium architect says Beijing games have sent the wrong message

Last Modified: 22 Aug 2008
By: Lindsey Hilsum

...but the Chinese government is trumpeting the Beijing Olympics as a tremendous success.

The International Olympic Committee agrees but what happens once the Olympics and Paralympics are over?

The artist Ai Weiwei designed the Bird's Nest but then refused to have anything more to do with the Games, he still feels uncomfortable about the way the Olympics became an exercise in state power.

The Chinese government is already talking of the Bird's Nest generation, young Chinese who have adopted sporting success as a symbol of national pride.

China is on top of the world, and not just in the medals table.

The government always planned that the Olympics should boost China's international standing, so it would earn respect and admiration.

Now they are saying that is exactly what has happened.