Although the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games are not yet finished, the number of new records set is adding up. Each day, with each event, it is a matter of fact now that the athletes have come to the Chinese capital to perform at the highest possible level.

At the Bird’s Nest, or the National Stadium, the spectators that have filled the seats have witnessed runs, throws, races and jumps all in the comfort of one venue. As of today, 53 new world records have been set in the various men’s competitions. Two of the many highlights were two runners in the 5000m from Kenya, Abraham Cheruiyot Tarbei (T46) and Henry Kiprono (T12), with times of 14:20.88 and 14:24.02 respectively. In addition, a total of 68 new Paralympic records were set.

In the various women’s events at the Bird’s Nest, 35 new world records have been set, including Eva Kacanu (F54) from the Czech Republic. She threw 6.73m in the Shot Put competition. A total of 38 new Paralympic records were also set.

Across the street in the Water Cube, or the National Aquatics Center, each side of the Swimming competition had spectators that were filled with amazement at the frequency of broken records. Currently, 35 new world records have been set in the various women’s competitions. Two highlights were Natalie du Toit (S9) from South Africa in the 100m Freestyle with a time of 1:06.74 and Heather Frederiksen (S8) from Great Britain in the 100m Backstroke with a time of 1:16.74. In addition, 44 new Paralympic records have been set.

In the various men’s events at the Water Cube, 59 new world records have been set. Two of the highlights were Maksym Veraksa (S12) from the Ukraine in the 50m Freestyle and Peter Leek (S8) from Australia in the 100m Butterfly. In addition, 62 new Paralympic records have been set.

The Swimming competition concludes today, with the final medal event for the spectators being the Men’s 4x50m Medley at 20:27. The events in Athletics will conclude on the final day of the Paralympic Games, 17 September. The event will be the Men and Women’s Marathon, beginning at 7:30.

For more information about the Paralympic Games, please visit www.paralympic.org and www.beijing2008.com.