At Olympics, President Bush enjoys a day at the beach

( Warning: Graphic Immodesty)

9 August 2008
By Calum MacLeod

BEIJING — Misty May-Treanor finally got her wish, when the President of the United States playfully slapped the small of her tattooed back.

While Laura Bush followed a separate program, including a tour of Beijing's famous Forbidden City, husband George enjoyed a sporting, relaxed Saturday morning, ahead of serious talks with China's leader on Sunday.

On Friday, when President Bush met U.S. athletes ahead of the the opening ceremonies, beach volleyball star May-Treanor asked him to slap her lower back, a common gesture in her sport. He declined.

But on the practice courts of the Olympic volleyball venue, Beijing's Chaoyang Park, on sand imported from "China's Hawaii," Hainan Island, the bikini-clad May-Treanor tried again. And this time, he couldn't resist.

"Show me something out there!" Bush urged May-Treanor and partner Kerri Walsh, who promised him "We'll make you proud." (Continued)