Seven ways it could still go wrong for China

Enormous infrastructure breakdown: Beijing's new airport terminal, metro system and improved bus and taxi services are largely untested. The capital's local government has had to recruit thousands of inexperienced workers to fill the extra jobs - most of whom can't speak English. Expect scenes of chaos as herds of bewildered tourists roam the streets, unable to ask for food, shelter or directions.

Athletes are poisoned by fumes: Beijing authorities have spent $12bn cleaning up the environment ahead of the Games. Even that may not suffice. International Olympic Committee officials say that endurance athletes who compete for over an hour may be at risk from carbon monoxide poisoning. The Australian team has already complained about the air quality following a preliminary visit to the city.