The ninth in a series of 10 slide shows that showcase the best sporting images of 2004.

Have you checked out the 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th | 7th | 8th slide shows?

August 7. A worker is seen cleaning windows during the final preparations for the 2004 Olympics, which started in Athens on August 13.

After years of carping and chaos, Athens got ready to stage the Games before billions around the world.

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Best of the Year Images of the year, Dec 24 Images of the year, Dec 21 Images of the year, Dec 17 Images of the year, Dec 16