Becks, Leona Lewis and Jimmy Page on thier involvement in the handing over of the torch in Beijing.

While I’ll never understand why MLS schedules a Thursday night match the day after World Cup Qualifiers and International Friendlies, having David Beckham in Beijing as part of the torch passing to London will have another amazing effect on Major League Soccer.

In February, six adidas athletes headed to Beijing to get some training in and get a little bit more familiar with the city. This also was the perfect time for 180 Amsterdam to get some incredible images that make up their “Impossible is Nothing, Gold is Not a Given” print campaign. I’m a fan of the work adidas and 180 Amsterdam  do, and this is further evidence of why. Check out some more images after the jump.

[Via Its Nice That and HighSnob]

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UPDATE - Nelsen has returned from his Over-Age Olympic duty with New Zealand after their 5 - nil demolition at the hands of Brazil.

Now back at Ewood Park after his agreement with the Guv’na, Nelly’s focus will now be on Blackburn’s opening fixture at Everton.

Former DC United and current Blackburn Rovers Captain Ryan Nelsen has been given the all clear by new manager Paul “the Guv’na” Ince to represent New Zealand at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Yes, there’s a bit of a catch. Nelsen must be back at Ewood Park by August 16th which is their opening day match against Everton.

Nelsen will be one of the Kiwi’s three overage (over 23) players and will definitely face China and Brazil before the deadline set by Ince.

image via BBC

Omega might be the official timekeeper of the 2008 Olympics, but that didn’t stop Ernst Benz from coming up with his own, limited edition ChronoScope. Two models will be released to celebrate the Olympics. Playing off of the location of this years Olympics, traditional Chinese characters have been used as part of the design of the watch. These come in extremely limited quanitities, so if you are a watch collector, now might be the time to start hunting for yours.

[Via Luxist]

The London 2012 Olympic organizing committee are keeping their plans for the Closing Ceremonies in Beijing close to their chest, but it is rumored that Beckham will play a key role. This travel schedule is potentially crazy, check it out.

Image via Viewimages

With the continued dramz surrounding clubs letting their players play in Beijing, Messi proved why he is so valuable. In their opening round match against the Ivory coast, the dimunitive playmaker notched one and set up one to beat the Ivory Coast 2-1. Barcelona might be raclling this dude before the Olympics are over, but it’s clear Messi is going to put his stamp on this while he is in Beijing.

With Nike and adidas grabbing all the attention they can get, rivals Puma have been relatively quiet on the whole Olympics front. But they have just stepped up their game and put themselves in the mix with the release of these collectible vinyl toys. They might not have a sneaker in every medal color, but these vinyl toys are a cool attempt to do something different.

[Via Hypebeast]

The Olympics isn’t just about the spirit of competition, but about nations and athletes coming together. To be an Olympian…

Image via LATimes

With the Olympics getting set to kick off in Beijing, you just know that the city is about to be a non stop party. After seeing images of the smog level and bugs that have invaded, it might not be a bad idea to get acquainted with some indoor activity. If you are going to be in Beijing and are looking for a place to hang with some gorgeous people while you knock a few back, I suggest checking out China Doll Club. Founded by award-winning Chinese actress/producer Ai Wan and club designer Wu Ying, this place is a cornerstone in the Beijing night life. More pics after the jump

[Pics via The Cool Hunter]

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