Carrying the Torch

摘要

Over the centuries, the Olympic torch has come to symbolize much more than an athletic event. As the torch travels around the globe to the site of the next Olympic Games, it seems to embody the ideals and aspirations of an entire generation. Perhaps for this reason, the highest of expectations are placed on Olympic stadia, which are asked not only to host the games but somehow to embody their spirit. Carrying the torch this year is an iconic structure that boldly rises to those expectations: Beijing's new National Stadium .