ROWING:MAY YOU live in interesting times: the Irish rowers felt the dramatic force of the old Chinese proverb yesterday afternoon as spectacular thunderclaps and lightning led to the overnight postponement of their eagerly-anticipated semi-final in the lightweight fours.

Although heavy rain had been falling across a darkened Beijing by noon, the decision to cancel the entire programme of racing was made official only an hour after events were supposed to begin, the stand full of drenched spectators using flags and plastic ponchos as makeshift protection. The Irish lightweight four are due to race this afternoon instead.

"The lightweights are fine," manager Mike Heskin said later.

"They are fairly pragmatic about it all and we have been through this type of thing before. The positive is that this is another day of rest for us after the repechage while it is another day without action for those that qualified straight through on Sunday last. The negative is that they must fast again to make sure they make the weight."

The delay may, however, have an effect on the destination of medals. Earlier, it had been reported the German crew had withdrawn from the other semi-final, the oarsmen having contracted a fever and being unable to get out of their beds.

The delay buys the stricken Germans 24 hours, but Heskin felt their preparation had been jeopardised, which would make it easier for the other finalists.

"They were well fancied for a medal. In the short term it was not going to make any difference for us as they were in the other semi. But if they got to the final I would have fancied them, they are the best technical crew out there. I don't think the extra day will make any difference to them. If they were that sick, I can't seem them recovering in 24 hours."

For half an hour at the rowing course there was confusion, as races were running on time at the nearby canoeing course. But the low rumble of thunder and occasional lightning flash - deemed to be within the critical 10 kilometres - simplified the decision.

"Safety was paramount today," said Heskin, who broadly supported the idea. "The officials are quite paranoid about thunder and lightning and rightly so as the boats are the highest things on the water."

Qualifying remains a formidable task. The French boat, which finished second in Ireland's heat, goes in lane four; the Danes, who still have Esken Ebbesen, one of the crew that posted a world record 5:45.60 in 1999, at stroke. The British row next to the Irish in lane. Italy and the USA complete the starting list.

The weather played havoc with Olympic events across Beijing. Eventually, the canoe and kayak slalom races were halted.

On the Olympic Green, the congested tennis schedule got more congested when officials had to delay play. And when they did resume last night, world number one Roger Federer was sensationally beaten in straight sets by the American James Blake.

Meanwhile, there were signs yesterday the atmosphere in Beijing could also become stormy now the euphoria of the dazzling opening ceremony has worn off.

Annoyed at suggestions the hosts were fielding underage gymnasts, the organising committee yesterday at the daily IOC conference had to face a renewed round of questions about the freedom to protest in Beijing, and the organising committee secretary general finally lost his temper.

"After 30 years of reform China has developed greatly. People enjoy more freedom," he said when asked if people had actually been allowed use any of the three designated "freedom parks".

"People are living a good life. Everyone is happy. Of course there are exceptions, like in any other country. But they need to take legal procedures. We cannot allow this country to be in chaos. But there are a few people who have come to peek, to be critical and to dig into small details."

IOC officials were directly questioned, for the first time, about China's human rights record, communications director Giselle Davis repeatedly deflecting the questions.

"We have to note the enormous steps in the wider area. The world is watching and the IOC is appraising," she finally said.

With Phelps mania likely to reach new heights this weekend, the IOC also shipped stinging criticism from Mark Spitz, the swimmer whose all-time single games medal haul Michael Phelps is likely to eclipse on Saturday.

Spitz revealed that though he would have loved to attend for the occasion, he had not received an invitation from the Olympic Committee.

It may be a salutary lesson for young Mr Phelps.

How quickly they forget!