The Beijing Olympic Games closed on Sunday, as China passed on the flame to London.
Former IOC president Juan Antonio Samaranch was in the habit of describing each Games as “the best ever”, with the notable exception of Atlanta in 1996.
His successor Jacques Rogge does not go in for such superlatives. He described Athens in 2004 as “unforgettable, dream Games” and on Sunday he pronounced the verdict on Beijing, saying they had provided “an exceptional Games”.
Perhaps that was a fitting phrase for an Olympics that began with an opening ceremony on an unparalleled scale and went on to provide highlights that will live on in the memory of all of us.
American swimmer Michael Phelps won eight gold medals, with a little help from his friends on the relay team, to break the record of seven at a single Games, achieved by Mark Spitz in 1972. Usain Bolt took the breath from all of us in the Bird’s Nest stadium when he won the 100 and 200 metres, breaking the world record in each.
Matthias Steiner broke our hearts by offering up his weightlifting gold to the wife he lost in a car crash, while Matt Emmons made us all gasp when for the second Olympics in succession he blew a certain gold medal with a ridiculous mistake on his final shot.
But were they the best Games ever? China provided us with a wonderful experience at and away from the venues and I will never forget the friendliness of the legions of volunteers, and the ordinary Chinese people too.
One thing that did get me after a while is that this was a Games that was taken extremely seriously, by everyone (apart from Usain Bolt).
Faster, Higher, Stronger goes the Olympic motto, and China seemed determined to host a Games with those goals in mind. They did it too, but I sometimes longed for an Eric the Eel in the pool, or even a cock-up in the organisation, just to prove that not even the Chinese are perfect when it comes to running a big event.
The short segment given to London 2012 during the closing ceremony promised a much more modest scale and perhaps a touch of irony and self-deprecation, what with the umbrellas and a double decker bus. I almost expected Austin Powers to come somersaulting out.
For now, though, let’s focus on China. The Games were brilliant, but were they the best ever? Please let us know in the comments.
PHOTO: Fireworks explode during the closing ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games at the National Stadium, August 24, 2008. REUTERS/Claro Cortes
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I have enjoyed the excellent performing ever. Who cares if it is best ever? I did not see many Olympic games so far yet. I believe I will still remember it when I am 70, em, 90 year old hopefully.
- Posted by Franklinalthough campared the ever games, i think it’sbest ever ,of course!
- Posted by Ryanhow to evaluate a game, the limitation on web,the air-pollution,the weather or the hosting government?
the answer is simple, like the author said,
“this was a Games that was taken extremely seriously”
“Faster, Higher, Stronger goes the Olympic motto”
Michael Phelps, Usain Bolt , beijing, right Genius,right time, plus more and more countries got medals……
by the way, bird-nest,water-cube, do you remember the name of any previous stadium?
- Posted by piaoguoNo authoritarian power like China, Russia, or even the current United States should be allowed to compete in the Olympics, let alone host them. The athletes were amazing but the Olympics have lost their meaning. If you remove the blindfold of patriotism and mob mentality, you can see the sad truth of it all.
- Posted by RealistNo, probably the ancient Olympians were the best. China’s was just expensive and quite controversial. The athletes always shine and you never know what can happen. The best olympics…I doubt it but a good run no doubt.
- Posted by jasonAbsolutely! Fantastic opening ceremony!Unprecedented athletes performance!Meticulous race schedule arrangement! Can U ask for more?
- Posted by ZhThough chinese goverment has its problem! But just only considering the games itself bu not the outer factors.
These were definitely exceptional games, no question. but the best ever title rightfully belongs to Sydney. Go you Aussies!
- Posted by Andythese are truly the best games ever. China has done an amzing job, the facilities and the pereformances would take somthing extrodinary to beat.
- Posted by tracygreatest performances ever but dont now it was the greatest olympics ever.
- Posted by shane nortonthis olympics games was definately dominated by usain bolt. he is easily most talked about athlete leaving the games. his performances is the greatest anyone have ever seen and likes that will not be repeated in a long time to come. it easy to say that bolt is the athlete of this generation and the greatest display of dominance in the history ot olympic games. he not only won three gold medals but all in blistering world record times in the same games never was it done before by great performers of the past such as jesse owens, carl lewis or even michael phelps.
- Posted by shane nortonI did enjoyed it. Usain Bolt on the track, Michael Phelps winning eight gold medals in the Water Cube…those were among my favourite highlights.
‘but it’s not necessary to compare it with other citis.’
- Posted by dianaTrue.
Each game brings a different aspect. Each host country did their best for the world. The ‘best-ever’ game is not a necessary comparison. Beijing was exceptional, magical and those smiles from ordinary volunteers and the proud Chinese people will be the legend of this fantastic Olympic game. As a Chinese, I can’t be prouder of what was done. Bravo China!
- Posted by lei QuBest ever!
- Posted by EAAs it has gone with dream like performances,i think it the better one just in my opinion, one for an audience. And the best one or not,should be commented by the players and the ioc . However,i think it best.
- Posted by LKNo, these were the most expensive games ever, London 1908 was the best games ever. There were lots of comedy events like Deer Stalking (OK, not funny for the deer i know) fly fishing and croquet. Much more idiotic than synchronised diving, rhythmic gymnastics and riding a bicycle very slowly.
- Posted by Ian ThorpeNot the “best ever”.
Watching two Chinese officials tear (one of the many) match balls from the arms of the winning American basketball coach was just one reason (I have footage!)
Athletes told to “leave laptops at home — internet access will be everywhere” and then forced to huddle around shared computers is another.
“Best ever” were the magic words that Rogge must have been under incredible pressure to utter. Kudos for not kowtowing that time — what a pity he (and the IOC) bent the knee about so many other broken BOCOG promises.
- Posted by RoysterDefinitely by far the BEST game ever. I can’t believe Rogge would understate it like that. Unforgivable!
- Posted by LucyEvery game has it’s own performance, Beijing is outstanding in nearly every aspect,but it’s not necessary to compare it with other citis.
- Posted by LeonBolt, Phelpsy, Yams - what more could you want?
- Posted by daveGreat performances but not the best Games. Sydney or Barcelona beat these for sheer fun. Great to see the Brits win so many golds, though. Perhaps I’ll change my mind.
- Posted by jf