A Chinese man attacked 3 Americans as they walked around a Beijing landmark.
A former member of the US Volleyball team Elisabeth "Wiz" Bachman and her parents were attacked in what appears to be a random occurance.
Tha man aged 47 stabbed Elisabeth Bachman's parents Todd and Barbara Bachman of Lakeville, Minnesota and their Chinese tour guide, before leaping to his death from the 13th century tower.
Barbara Bachman and the guide are both being treated at Beijing hospital, Todd Bachman was sadly fatally injured in the incident.
A spokesperson for the US Embassy said they do not believe this was a targeted attack on US citizens and it was unlikely that it had anything to do with the Olympics.


Full story here:
http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/summer08/news/story?id=3526793

What a tragic and heartbreaking thing to happen to anyone on holiday, just hoping to relax and have a good time, but also what a shocking and dreadful start to the 2008 Olympics for everyone involved.

After the beautiful ceremony yesterday, we are brought back to reality with an unexpected blow less than 24hrs later.
What an awful shame.

My thoughts are with his family.
Blessed Be.

Oh that's just terrible.
Why haven't I heard about this on the news?
I have seen the news bulletins twice today, and there hasn't been a word about it.

I was really enjoying the Olympics aswell, but this has spoilt it for me a little.

I will pray for them all.

Frankly, I am surprised that things are not worse. With all the worlds eyes on China, it has brought many things back to the public eye. China's human rights condition. The oppression of Tibet, the forced abortion policy.. Then factor in the all time low global opinion of America is, and add the Russia-Georgia conflict on the brink of all out war.. I am grateful things are as quiet as they have been.

Grace to you and Peace,
Ezaraudin

Yes, you make a very good point Ezeraudin.

But still in my soft little world it always seems like the Olympics should be the one thing that overcomes these troubles and brings together everyone on the planet in peace.

I know how stupid I sound, but my heart wishes it really could be so. That the feelings of the sporting moment could transfer themselves to each and every place there is conflict and unhappiness, need and despair and magically make it all better.

Once the Olympics are over then my vision shifts again and everything is back to normal, but I simply cannot still the small creature of hope that lives within me for the duration of the Games.

Reality sucks.