Welcome to the Olympic Blogs. Athletes competing in Beijing, and also 2012 London hopefuls, give accounts of their experiences.

Find out what it's like to go and see the games too, as Rachel and Patrick send in their entries from Beijing.

Swimming and Triathlon

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  Sam Hynd, 17 - swimmer

  I am the world’s top ranked S8 400 freestyle swimmer. I have gained selection for Team GB for the Beijing Paralympic Games.

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  Hollie Avil, 18 - triathlete

  I’ve been doing triathlon for 3 years now. This is my first Olympic Games and I’m so excited!

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Archery and Taekwondo

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  Tom Barber, 17 - archer

  I have been doing archery for 7 years now and being selected as a reserve for the Team GB is my biggest achievement to date.

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  Bianca Walkden, 17 - taekwondo competitor

  I have been doing taekwondo since I was 11 years old. I am the reserve athlete for the Beijing Olympic Games.

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View from the stands

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  Rachel, 11 - spectator

  My dad is a musician and lives in Beijing. My favourite sports are riding and swimming. In China, I'm called Ruirui which means extremely lucky.

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  Patrick, 14 - spectator

  I live in Lee, London. I'm looking forward to visiting my relatives in Beijing. In Chinese my name is Peidi which means enlightened teacher.

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