Water Cube Receives Widely Praise from Athletes and Officials


China's National Aquatics Center in Beijing, nicknamed the "Water Cube", has brought unexpected excitement to the audience, as American swimming prodigy Michael Phelps broke the Olympic record in the first round of men's 400 individual medley.

Phelps said he was pretty surprised himself, but he really expected to perform his best in the Water Cube.

The 23-year-old who intends to earn eight gold medals at the Beijing Games, gave a high praise to the Water Cube as soon as he started training in this newly-built center.

"It's exciting that you walk into the pool, and sort of imagine the whole thing jam packed. It's definitely something that I'm looking forward to have in the first day, just being in that atmosphere."

Australian swimmer Lesel Jones said he felt the same way.

"I actually thought it was really bright and cheerful. My training partners and myself said it was exactly a really nice and pleasant place to swim for."

42 gold medals will be up for grabs in swimming, diving, synchronized swimming and water polo.