BEIJING 2008 IN REVIEW
Beijing delivered and so did the athletes; the 2008 Olympics will be remembered for its stunning opening ceremony, flawless organisation and the amazing achievements of two incredible athletes.

In competition, forty-six world records were broken, seven of them by Michael Phelps. The American swimmer claimed a record eight gold medals with seven world records to become the most successful Olympian of all time.

His dominance of the Games was only challenged by Usain Bolt in the Bird's Nest, who cruised to both the 100m and 200m in world record time.

For Great Britain, 47 medals, 19 of them gold, it was the most successful Olympics for 100 years, exceeding the BOA's initial target for London 2012, nevermind Beijing. Sparked by Nicole Cooke's gold in the road race on day two, GB finished top of the pile in cycling, sailing and rowing.

There was also a first-ever taekwondo medal courtesy of Sarah Stevenson's eventful bronze while James Degale sealed a surprise gold in boxing's middleweight division.

It was not all good news though; GB failed to gain any judo medals while the shooters and archers under-performed. Christine Ohuruogu's brilliant gold in the 400m was also GB's only success in the Bird's Nest, a stadium by which all others are now compared.

London would be unwise to compete with the scale of Beijing, but the pressure is now on to provide a Games of which Londoners can be proud.



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