Olympics: The best pictures from the build-up in Beijing

A local man shows off his Olympic sunglasses, with the National Aquatic Centre reflected in the lenses Photograph: Quinn Rooney/Getty

Chinese divers in preparation for the women's synchronised event Photograph: Nick Laham/Getty

Two divers reach for underwater perfection Photograph: Nick Laham/Getty

Talita Antunes gets in some practice ahead of Brazil's bid to win a beach volleyball medal Photograph: Diego Azubel/EPA

Soliders line up outside the National Stadium Photograph: Ituso Inouye/AP

A Chinese man looks out of his home, just days after a new wall was built to hide the slum from tourists Photograph: Ng Han Guan/AP

A South Korean archer practises her aim Photograph: Jewel Samad/AFP

Paula Radcliffe trains in Macau after joining the Great Britain team - but there remain doubts over her fitness Photograph: John Giles/PA

Athletes at the Olympic village queue for lunch Photograph: Gabriel Bouys/AFP

The Spanish NBA basketball player, Mark Gasol, arrives at Beijing airport Photograph: Empics

British sprinter Tyrone Edgar dances his way through training Photograph: John Giles/PA

Roger Federer hits the courts Photograph: Behrouz Mehri/AFP

The men's 100m world record holder, Usain Bolt, endures a press conference Photograph: Oded Balilty/AP

The Brazil coach, Dunga, looks on as Ronaldinho attempts a tackle in training Photograph: Martin Mejia/AP

Great Britain's Fiona Pennie in Kayak practice at the Shunyi Olympic Rowing and Canoeing Park Photograph: Julian Finney/Getty

A greener view of the National Stadium in Beijing Photograph: Streeter Lecka/Getty

A look at the accommodation provided for athletes at the Olympic Village Photograph: Michael Kapeller/AFP

Night falls as volunteers gather for a rehearsal of the opening ceremony Photograph: Oded Balilty/AP