You are hereArchive - Aug 24, 2008
Archive - Aug 24, 2008
Parties of the century: closing as well as the opening ceremonies of 2008 Beijing Olympic Games
Two Number Ones – China in Gold, U.S. in Total
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The Beijing Olympics have come to a close after 16 days of thrilling competition - with the home nation sat on top of the gold medal table.
China has spent seven years planning for this event. It must be relieved that these Olympics are being hailed as both a sporting and an operational success. Worries about air pollution, protesters and media freedom were eventually overshadowed by what went on in the sporting arenas.
At the closing ceremony the International Olympic Committee President, Jacques Rogge, said they had been "truly exceptional games".
Best of the best
Worldwide, 200 countries provided a staggering 5,000 hours of coverage through rights-holding broadcast partners. In China, 842 million people - more than twice the population of the United States - tuned in to watch some part of opening ceremony. read more »