The run-up to the Olympics in Beijing also marks the start of a related spectator sport — celebrity spotting. 

Sightings of the famous and infamous have already begun with the opening of some Olympic venues where qualifying events have been held.

At a recent swimming event at the Water Cube, a group of Americans in the stands passed around a pair of binoculars to scan the spectator seats — and spotted who they were sure was Henry Kissinger.

A buzz quickly spread around the stands.

Kissinger, now 84, is a frequent visitor to Beijing and, while not the sort of high-calibre celebrity to be chased by paparazzi, is still well-known for his role in repairing relations between Washington and Beijing decades ago.

In 1971, the former U.S. Secretary of State’s secret meeting with Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai helped pave the way for a ground-breaking summit between U.S. President Richard Nixon, Zhou and Mao Zedong, and the eventual formalization of relations between the two countries.

Fast forward to 2008. Kissinger at the Water Cube?

The Nobel laureate serves in an honorary role as a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). So is he also a swimming fan, or like everyone else, just curious to see the sleek new Olympics facilities? Or maybe he is once again playing the role of advance man, scoping out the best Olympics seats for a president, lawmaker or business executive.

Picture of Henry Kissinger at Davos earlier this year by Denis Balibouse/REUTERS