Olympics inspires in many different ways

Dubai: On a day that saw the African nation of Togo win its first ever medal and US swimmer Michael Phelps smash his third Olympic record in as many days, Chinese officials have other things on their mind.

The Summer Games are proving to be such a big hit in China, officials are starting to keep track of another Olympic phenomenon.

Since the Bejing games opened on Friday, 4,104 babies have been name Aoyun in celebration of the historic event.

Aoyun, which means The Olympics in Chinese, demonstrates the feeling of nationalist fervour that has consumed the country. And with London set to host the Olympics next in 2012, organisers there are wondering if the name game will become a phenomenon there as well.

Ollie is a possible favourite, but more adventurous parents might be willing to consider Ringo, Flames or Pricey.

There was no word from organisers of the 2000 Games in Australia if there was an increase in Sydney after the games there. Nor where there details of any spike in children being named Athena in 2004.

There's little doubt, though, Paris Hilton wasn't named after the 1924 Olympics in the French capital.