IAAF official impressed by Beijing Olympics preparations

BEIJING, May 24 (Xinhua) -- An international athletics organization official said here Saturday evening that she was very impressed by the preparation for the Beijing Olympics in August.

Anna Legnani, deputy communications director of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), said in an interview at the China Athletics Open at the National Stadium, "Everybody is really happy with the pre-Olympic event for the Olympics and Beijing has prepared for a very good Olympics."

Legnani said the new national stadium, nicknamed as the Bird's Nest because of its unique architectural design, was "a brilliant facility". She said she often gazed at the "beautiful building" from her room in a nearby hotel.

Commenting on layout of the media zone in the stadium, Legnani said, "All media facilities are arranged so closely which makes media work convenient."

However, Legnani said she noticed limited electricity outlets in the media stand and promised she would coordinate with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) communications officials for this particular problem.

The IAAF official also said she liked the on-site big screen presentation during intervals of competition. "It's very useful tolet audience get some technical knowledge on athletics," she said," thus the big screen presentation is a nice introduction."