Singer Leona Lewis and guitarist Jimmy Page perform on a bus during the eight-minute performance prepared by London, host city of the next summer Olympic Games in 2012, at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony held in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 24, 2008.
Singer Leona Lewis performs on a bus during the eight-minute performance prepared by London, host city of the next summer Olympic Games in 2012, at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony held in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 24, 2008.
Photo taken on Aug. 24, 2008 shows the eight-minute performance prepared by London, host city of the next summer Olympic Games in 2012, in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, Beijing, capital of China.
Singer Leona Lewis performs on a bus during the eight-minute performance prepared by London, host city of the next summer Olympic Games in 2012, at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony held in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 24, 2008.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Last medals of Beijing Olympics awarded to winners of men's marathon
The last three medals of the Beijing Olympic Games were awarded to winners of men's marathon at the Games' closing ceremony staged in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, in north Beijing on Sunday night.
Gold medalist Sammy Wanjiru of Kenya , silver medalist Jaouad Gharib of Morocco and bronze medalist Tsegay Kebede of Ethiopia stand on the podium at the awarding ceremony of men's marathon during the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony held in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 24, 2008.
Gold medalist Sammy Wanjiru of Kenya , silver medalist Jaouad Gharib of Morocco and bronze medalist Tsegay Kebede of Ethiopia stand on the podium at the awarding ceremony of men's marathon during the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony held in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 24, 2008.
The gold, silver and bronze went to Samuel Kamau Wansiru of Kenya, Jaouad Gharib of Morocco, and Tsegay Kebede of Ethiopia respectively.
Source: Xinhua
Gold medalist Sammy Wanjiru of Kenya , silver medalist Jaouad Gharib of Morocco and bronze medalist Tsegay Kebede of Ethiopia stand on the podium at the awarding ceremony of men's marathon during the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony held in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 24, 2008.
Gold medalist Sammy Wanjiru of Kenya , silver medalist Jaouad Gharib of Morocco and bronze medalist Tsegay Kebede of Ethiopia stand on the podium at the awarding ceremony of men's marathon during the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony held in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 24, 2008.
The gold, silver and bronze went to Samuel Kamau Wansiru of Kenya, Jaouad Gharib of Morocco, and Tsegay Kebede of Ethiopia respectively.
Source: Xinhua
Badminton champion Zhang Ning carries Chinese flag at closing ceremony
Double Olympic badminton gold medalist Zhang Ning carried the flag of the Chinese delegation at the closing ceremony of the Beijing Games on Sunday.
Double Olympic badminton gold medalist Zhang Ning carries the flag of the Chinese delegation at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony in Beijing, capital of China, on Aug. 24, 2008.
Chinese national flag is ushered into the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony in Beijing, capital of China, on Aug. 24, 2008.
Zhang, 33, defeated fellow Chinese and world number one Xie Xingfang last Saturday to successfully defend the women's singles title she won in Athens four years ago.
Zhang becomes the oldest woman to win the Olympic title in the sport.
Source: Xinhua
Double Olympic badminton gold medalist Zhang Ning carries the flag of the Chinese delegation at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony in Beijing, capital of China, on Aug. 24, 2008.
Chinese national flag is ushered into the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony in Beijing, capital of China, on Aug. 24, 2008.
Zhang, 33, defeated fellow Chinese and world number one Xie Xingfang last Saturday to successfully defend the women's singles title she won in Athens four years ago.
Zhang becomes the oldest woman to win the Olympic title in the sport.
Source: Xinhua
World athletes at Games' closing ceremony
World athletes that competed at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and the flags of the 204 participating delegations are ushered into the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony in Beijing, capital of China, on Aug. 24, 2008.
Members of the Canadian Olympic Delegation enter the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, during the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony in Beijing, capital of China, on Aug. 24, 2008.
Members of the Canadian Olympic Delegation enter the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, during the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony in Beijing, capital of China, on Aug. 24, 2008.
Members of the Canadian Olympic Delegation enter the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, during the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony in Beijing, capital of China, on Aug. 24, 2008.
World athletes that competed at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and the flags of the 204 participating delegations are ushered into the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony in Beijing, capital of China, on Aug. 24, 2008.
World athletes that competed at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games are ushered into the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony in Beijing, capital of China, on Aug. 24, 2008.
Some members of Chile Olympic delegation take photos at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony in Beijing, capital of China, on Aug. 24, 2008.
World athletes that competed at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and the flags of the 204 participating delegations are ushered into the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony in Beijing, capital of China, on Aug. 24, 2008.
Chinese basketball players pose for group photo in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony in Beijing, capital of China, on Aug. 24, 2008.
World athletes that competed at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and the flags of the 204 participating delegations are ushered into the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony in Beijing, capital of China, on Aug. 24, 2008.
Members of the Canadian Olympic Delegation enter the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, during the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony in Beijing, capital of China, on Aug. 24, 2008.
Members of the Canadian Olympic Delegation enter the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, during the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony in Beijing, capital of China, on Aug. 24, 2008.
Members of the Canadian Olympic Delegation enter the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, during the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony in Beijing, capital of China, on Aug. 24, 2008.
World athletes that competed at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and the flags of the 204 participating delegations are ushered into the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony in Beijing, capital of China, on Aug. 24, 2008.
World athletes that competed at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games are ushered into the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony in Beijing, capital of China, on Aug. 24, 2008.
Some members of Chile Olympic delegation take photos at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony in Beijing, capital of China, on Aug. 24, 2008.
World athletes that competed at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and the flags of the 204 participating delegations are ushered into the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony in Beijing, capital of China, on Aug. 24, 2008.
Chinese basketball players pose for group photo in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony in Beijing, capital of China, on Aug. 24, 2008.
World athletes that competed at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and the flags of the 204 participating delegations are ushered into the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony in Beijing, capital of China, on Aug. 24, 2008.
Beijing passes Olympic host baton to London
Beijing passed its Olympic host baton to London, host city of the 2012 Olympic Games, on Sunday night, as Mayor Guo Jinlong handed over the Olympic flag to his London counterpart Boris Johnson via International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, in north Beijing.
London Mayor Boris Johnson holds the Olympic flag at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony held in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 24, 2008.
Rogge just declared the Beijing Olympic Games closed.
Source: xinhua
London Mayor Boris Johnson holds the Olympic flag at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony held in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 24, 2008.
Rogge just declared the Beijing Olympic Games closed.
Source: xinhua
Beijing bids farewell to Olympic flame
After 16 days of burning in the National Stadium in north Beijing, the sacred flame of the Beijing Olympics was doused on Sunday night, after the Games were declared closed by International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge and the Olympic flag passed to London, host city of the 2012 Games.
The sacred flame of the Beijing Olympics is doused at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 24, 2008.
Fireworks and spectacular lighting kicked off the two-hour extravaganza Sunday night, summing up the glee and passion the games brought to Beijing.
Thousands of athletes marched into the National Stadium, better known as the Bird's Nest, waving their arms and flags, snapping photos of each other, hugging, and basking in the cheers of an ecstatic capacity of fans.
At around 9:20 p.m., an airport flight schedule appeared on the large screen of the Bird's Nest, setting a scene of departure. Three athletes stepped on a boarding ladder truck with the logo of Beijing Olympics, located on the side of the stadium, waving hands to the crowd and saying goodbye to Beijing.
With tears in their eyes, they turned around atop the ladder, taking out an exquisite painting scroll and slowly unfolding it.
All of a sudden, the vertical circle wall on the top of the Bird's Nest turned into a red track, projecting the most unique and spectacular scenes of the 17-day Olympic Games in the passionate far-reaching music.
Meanwhile, two "sports sculpture" performers started to show various athletic gestures on a huge mechanic "memory tower" rising at the center of the stadium.
Under the watch of over 100,000 spectators and athletes, the Olympic cauldron atop the Bird's Nest, imprinted with patterns of auspicious clouds and wrapped in a red spiral strip that appears like an extension of the "scroll", slowly folded and diminished, marking an end of the 17-day feast.
In the meantime, to the roars from people packing the stands and thousands of athletes on the field, a huge "holy flame" was lit at the center of the field when 396 performers simulated the flame with their bodies on the five-story "memory tower".
The actors displayed all kinds of gestures in unprecedented all-directional space, turning the "memory tower" into a huge "holy flame", which conveyed to the whole world the ever-lasting Olympic spirit of man's pursuit of "Higher, Faster and Stronger".
Highlighting the whole closing ceremony, the show symbolized the holy flame would remain burning forever in people's hearts.
At the center of the stage, 16 yarn strips dotted with lucky clouds rose along the "memory tower" at the stage and extended towards the sky, forming a lucky cloud tree symbolizing friendship and joy.
"It's marvelous indeed. Beijing leaves an unforgettable memory to the world," said Fabian Tetelbozm from the Terra Networks of Argentina.
Singers took the stage afterwards and volleys of fireworks again lit up the sky, igniting the passion for the carnival.
The cauldron of the Beijing Games was ignited on Aug. 8 by former gymnastics star Li Ning at the opening ceremony. The triple gold medalist at the 1984 Los Angeles Games, who is now a successful entrepreneur, took a stunt-like and painstaking journey around the top of the stadium, before setting ablaze the giant cauldron.
Source: Xinhua
The sacred flame of the Beijing Olympics is doused at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 24, 2008.
Fireworks and spectacular lighting kicked off the two-hour extravaganza Sunday night, summing up the glee and passion the games brought to Beijing.
Thousands of athletes marched into the National Stadium, better known as the Bird's Nest, waving their arms and flags, snapping photos of each other, hugging, and basking in the cheers of an ecstatic capacity of fans.
At around 9:20 p.m., an airport flight schedule appeared on the large screen of the Bird's Nest, setting a scene of departure. Three athletes stepped on a boarding ladder truck with the logo of Beijing Olympics, located on the side of the stadium, waving hands to the crowd and saying goodbye to Beijing.
With tears in their eyes, they turned around atop the ladder, taking out an exquisite painting scroll and slowly unfolding it.
All of a sudden, the vertical circle wall on the top of the Bird's Nest turned into a red track, projecting the most unique and spectacular scenes of the 17-day Olympic Games in the passionate far-reaching music.
Meanwhile, two "sports sculpture" performers started to show various athletic gestures on a huge mechanic "memory tower" rising at the center of the stadium.
Under the watch of over 100,000 spectators and athletes, the Olympic cauldron atop the Bird's Nest, imprinted with patterns of auspicious clouds and wrapped in a red spiral strip that appears like an extension of the "scroll", slowly folded and diminished, marking an end of the 17-day feast.
In the meantime, to the roars from people packing the stands and thousands of athletes on the field, a huge "holy flame" was lit at the center of the field when 396 performers simulated the flame with their bodies on the five-story "memory tower".
The actors displayed all kinds of gestures in unprecedented all-directional space, turning the "memory tower" into a huge "holy flame", which conveyed to the whole world the ever-lasting Olympic spirit of man's pursuit of "Higher, Faster and Stronger".
Highlighting the whole closing ceremony, the show symbolized the holy flame would remain burning forever in people's hearts.
At the center of the stage, 16 yarn strips dotted with lucky clouds rose along the "memory tower" at the stage and extended towards the sky, forming a lucky cloud tree symbolizing friendship and joy.
"It's marvelous indeed. Beijing leaves an unforgettable memory to the world," said Fabian Tetelbozm from the Terra Networks of Argentina.
Singers took the stage afterwards and volleys of fireworks again lit up the sky, igniting the passion for the carnival.
The cauldron of the Beijing Games was ignited on Aug. 8 by former gymnastics star Li Ning at the opening ceremony. The triple gold medalist at the 1984 Los Angeles Games, who is now a successful entrepreneur, took a stunt-like and painstaking journey around the top of the stadium, before setting ablaze the giant cauldron.
Source: Xinhua
Domingo and Chinese singer Song perform together at Beijing Olympics closing
Spanish tenor Placido Domingo and Chinese top female singer Song Zuying jointly presented a song entitled "The Flame of Love" at Sunday's Beijing Olympics closing ceremony, echoing the tender theme song "You and Me" at the opening ceremony.
Chinese soprano Song Zuying and Spanish tenor Placido Dominggo perform at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony held in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 24, 2008.
"Tonight I will walk to your side/ I will fly with you/ With you soaring through the sky." The romantic and emotional lyrics alternated between Chinese and English reminded the 90,000 audience in the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest.
The Beijing Olympic Games theme song "You and Me" also comprises lines in both languages and was jointly performed by Chinese pop singer Liu Huan and British soprano Sarah Brightman.
Lasting about five minutes with twenty-two lines, "The Flame of Love" eulogizes the passion in love and "beautiful and boundless romance", with a flowing melody and exquisite lyrics.
"The Flame of Love" lauds the common love of the human being that goes beyond the boundary of nationality and civilization and "lights the fire in the heart" of all people alike, continuing the leitmotif of harmony and unity of the whole world enshrined in the theme song, but in a more passionate way.
When the emotional music was played, the whole stadium was lit into romance. Luminous props in the hands of more than 90,000 audience moved rhythmically.
The lyrics were created by Chinese writers Song Xiaoming and Yuan Yuan. While the music was produced by Chinese top composer Bian Liunian and Klaus Badelt of Germany, who co-produced the score to Hollywood box office hit "Gladiator".
Spanish operatic tenor Placido Domingo, born in 1941, is well known for his versatile and strong voice. Possessing a ringing and dramatic tone throughout its range, he is hailed as one of the world's three top class tenors, with Luciano Pavarotti, who died with cancer in 2007 and Jose Carreras, who also hails from Spain.
In 1968, Domingo's performance in the opera Adriana Lecouvreur, staged in New York Metropolitan Opera, was a great success. In 1974 and 1975, Domingo sang the role of Othello in Othello and the role of Aragon in Sicilian Vespers, two most difficult tenor roles in Verdi's operas.
Song Zuying, one of the best female singers in China and also bearer of the Beijing Olympic torch relay, was born in Guzhang County, Hunan Province in August 1966.
Song has won numerous prizes of various competitions for vocal music and performed in Europe, Australia, the United States, Canada and southeast Asia. In 2006, her CD "The Diva Goes to the Movies: A Centennial Celebration of Chinese Film Song" was nominated for the 49th Annual Grammy Awards in the category of Best Classical Crossover Album.
Source: Xinhua
Chinese soprano Song Zuying and Spanish tenor Placido Dominggo perform at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony held in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 24, 2008.
"Tonight I will walk to your side/ I will fly with you/ With you soaring through the sky." The romantic and emotional lyrics alternated between Chinese and English reminded the 90,000 audience in the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest.
The Beijing Olympic Games theme song "You and Me" also comprises lines in both languages and was jointly performed by Chinese pop singer Liu Huan and British soprano Sarah Brightman.
Lasting about five minutes with twenty-two lines, "The Flame of Love" eulogizes the passion in love and "beautiful and boundless romance", with a flowing melody and exquisite lyrics.
"The Flame of Love" lauds the common love of the human being that goes beyond the boundary of nationality and civilization and "lights the fire in the heart" of all people alike, continuing the leitmotif of harmony and unity of the whole world enshrined in the theme song, but in a more passionate way.
When the emotional music was played, the whole stadium was lit into romance. Luminous props in the hands of more than 90,000 audience moved rhythmically.
The lyrics were created by Chinese writers Song Xiaoming and Yuan Yuan. While the music was produced by Chinese top composer Bian Liunian and Klaus Badelt of Germany, who co-produced the score to Hollywood box office hit "Gladiator".
Spanish operatic tenor Placido Domingo, born in 1941, is well known for his versatile and strong voice. Possessing a ringing and dramatic tone throughout its range, he is hailed as one of the world's three top class tenors, with Luciano Pavarotti, who died with cancer in 2007 and Jose Carreras, who also hails from Spain.
In 1968, Domingo's performance in the opera Adriana Lecouvreur, staged in New York Metropolitan Opera, was a great success. In 1974 and 1975, Domingo sang the role of Othello in Othello and the role of Aragon in Sicilian Vespers, two most difficult tenor roles in Verdi's operas.
Song Zuying, one of the best female singers in China and also bearer of the Beijing Olympic torch relay, was born in Guzhang County, Hunan Province in August 1966.
Song has won numerous prizes of various competitions for vocal music and performed in Europe, Australia, the United States, Canada and southeast Asia. In 2006, her CD "The Diva Goes to the Movies: A Centennial Celebration of Chinese Film Song" was nominated for the 49th Annual Grammy Awards in the category of Best Classical Crossover Album.
Source: Xinhua
London stages eight-minute Olympic handover performance
The photo taken on Aug. 24, 2008 shows a red double-decker bus during the eight-minute performance prepared by London, host city of the next summer Olympic Games in 2012, at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony held in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, Beijing, capital of China.
The photo taken on Aug. 24, 2008 shows a red double-decker bus during the eight-minute performance prepared by London, host city of the next summer Olympic Games in 2012, at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony held in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, Beijing, capital of China.
Singer Leona Lewis and guitarist Jimmy Page perform on a bus during the eight-minute performance prepared by London, host city of the next summer Olympic Games in 2012, at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony held in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 24, 2008.
The photo taken on Aug. 24, 2008 shows a red double-decker bus during the eight-minute performance prepared by London, host city of the next summer Olympic Games in 2012, at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony held in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, Beijing, capital of China.
Singer Leona Lewis and guitarist Jimmy Page perform on a bus during the eight-minute performance prepared by London, host city of the next summer Olympic Games in 2012, at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony held in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 24, 2008.
Hungary beats U.S. to win Olympic water polo gold
Tamas Varga of Hungary shoots during men's water polo gold medal match at the Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 24, 2008. Hungary defeated the United States and won the gold.
Hungary beat the United States 14-10 to win the Olympic men's water polo gold meda in Beijing on Sunday.
Serbia beat Montenegro 6-4 for the bronze.
Source: Xinhua
Hungary beat the United States 14-10 to win the Olympic men's water polo gold meda in Beijing on Sunday.
Serbia beat Montenegro 6-4 for the bronze.
Source: Xinhua
United States wins men's basketball Olympic gold
The United States defeated Spain 118-107 to take the men's basketball gold medal at the Beijing Olympic Games in Beijing on Sunday.
Kobe Bryant of the U.S. dunks the ball during Men's Gold Medal Game- Game 76 between Spain and the United States of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games basketball event at Olympic Basketball Gymnasium in Beijing, China, Aug. 24, 2008. The U.S. beat Spain and won the gold medal of the event.
The United States defeated Spain 118-107 to take the men's basketball gold medal at the Beijing Olympic Games on Aug. 24.
The United States defeated Spain 118-107 to take the men's basketball gold medal at the Beijing Olympic Games on Aug. 24.
The bronze medal went to Argentina who downed Lithuania 87-75.
Source: Xinhua
Kobe Bryant of the U.S. dunks the ball during Men's Gold Medal Game- Game 76 between Spain and the United States of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games basketball event at Olympic Basketball Gymnasium in Beijing, China, Aug. 24, 2008. The U.S. beat Spain and won the gold medal of the event.
The United States defeated Spain 118-107 to take the men's basketball gold medal at the Beijing Olympic Games on Aug. 24.
The United States defeated Spain 118-107 to take the men's basketball gold medal at the Beijing Olympic Games on Aug. 24.
The bronze medal went to Argentina who downed Lithuania 87-75.
Source: Xinhua
Countdown to closing ceremony of Olympic Games
Photo taken on Aug. 24, 2008 shows an interior view of the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, in Beijing, capital of China. Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony will begin at the stadium at 8 p.m. sharp on Sunday.
Actors and working staff prepare before the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 24, 2008.
Artists perform ahead of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 24, 2008.
Artists perform ahead of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 24, 2008. The closing ceremony of the Beijing Olympics will begin at 8 p.m. sharp here on Sunday.
Actors and working staff prepare before the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 24, 2008.
Actors and working staff prepare before the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 24, 2008.
Artists perform ahead of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 24, 2008.
Artists perform ahead of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 24, 2008. The closing ceremony of the Beijing Olympics will begin at 8 p.m. sharp here on Sunday.
Actors and working staff prepare before the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 24, 2008.
Closing ceremony of Beijing Olympic Games begins
Photo taken on Aug. 24, 2008 shows the fireworks of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, Beijing, capital of China. The closing ceremony began at 8 p.m. sharp on Sunday.
The closing ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games began in the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, in northern Beijing at 8 p.m. on Sunday.
The gala began amid a display of fireworks that form a huge circle in the sky which symbolizes the complete success of the Beijing Games.
In traditional Chinese culture, circle is a symbol of perfection, harmony and renewal.
The countdown to the closing ceremony started from the number 29, indicating the 29th Olympic Games.
All the audience joined the countdown from 10, while the numbers were displayed by firework explosions in the sky.
The Bird's Nest has a seating capacity of 91,000.
Photo taken on Aug. 24, 2008 shows a view of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, Beijing, capital of China. The closing ceremony began at 8 p.m. sharp on Sunday.
Photo taken on Aug. 24, 2008 shows the performance of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, Beijing, capital of China. The closing ceremony began at 8 p.m. sharp on Sunday.
Photo taken on Aug. 24, 2008 shows the performance of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, Beijing, capital of China. The closing ceremony began at 8 p.m. sharp on Sunday.
Photo taken on Aug. 24, 2008 shows the scene of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, Beijing, capital of China. The closing ceremony began at 8 p.m. sharp on Sunday.
Photo taken on Aug. 24, 2008 shows the fireworks of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, Beijing, capital of China. The building on the left is the National Aquatic Center, or the Water Cube. The closing ceremony began at 8 p.m. sharp on Sunday.
Photo taken on Aug. 24, 2008 shows the fireworks of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, Beijing, capital of China. The building on the left is the National Aquatic Center, or the Water Cube. The closing ceremony began at 8 p.m. sharp on Sunday. Xinhua Photo)
Photo taken on Aug. 24, 2008 shows the scene of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, Beijing, capital of China. The closing ceremony began at 8 p.m. sharp on Sunday.
Photo taken on Aug. 24, 2008 shows the scene of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, Beijing, capital of China. The closing ceremony began at 8 p.m. sharp on Sunday.
Photo taken on Aug. 24, 2008 shows the scene of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, Beijing, capital of China. The closing ceremony began at 8 p.m. sharp on Sunday.
Source: Xinhua
The closing ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games began in the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, in northern Beijing at 8 p.m. on Sunday.
The gala began amid a display of fireworks that form a huge circle in the sky which symbolizes the complete success of the Beijing Games.
In traditional Chinese culture, circle is a symbol of perfection, harmony and renewal.
The countdown to the closing ceremony started from the number 29, indicating the 29th Olympic Games.
All the audience joined the countdown from 10, while the numbers were displayed by firework explosions in the sky.
The Bird's Nest has a seating capacity of 91,000.
Photo taken on Aug. 24, 2008 shows a view of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, Beijing, capital of China. The closing ceremony began at 8 p.m. sharp on Sunday.
Photo taken on Aug. 24, 2008 shows the performance of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, Beijing, capital of China. The closing ceremony began at 8 p.m. sharp on Sunday.
Photo taken on Aug. 24, 2008 shows the performance of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, Beijing, capital of China. The closing ceremony began at 8 p.m. sharp on Sunday.
Photo taken on Aug. 24, 2008 shows the scene of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, Beijing, capital of China. The closing ceremony began at 8 p.m. sharp on Sunday.
Photo taken on Aug. 24, 2008 shows the fireworks of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, Beijing, capital of China. The building on the left is the National Aquatic Center, or the Water Cube. The closing ceremony began at 8 p.m. sharp on Sunday.
Photo taken on Aug. 24, 2008 shows the fireworks of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, Beijing, capital of China. The building on the left is the National Aquatic Center, or the Water Cube. The closing ceremony began at 8 p.m. sharp on Sunday. Xinhua Photo)
Photo taken on Aug. 24, 2008 shows the scene of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, Beijing, capital of China. The closing ceremony began at 8 p.m. sharp on Sunday.
Photo taken on Aug. 24, 2008 shows the scene of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, Beijing, capital of China. The closing ceremony began at 8 p.m. sharp on Sunday.
Photo taken on Aug. 24, 2008 shows the scene of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, Beijing, capital of China. The closing ceremony began at 8 p.m. sharp on Sunday.
Source: Xinhua
EU congratulates athletes for their performances in Beijing
The European Union congratulated on Sunday the athletes from all EU member countries for their excellent performances during the Beijing Olympic Games.
"On behalf of the European Commission, I want to congratulate the hundreds of European athletes who have participated in the Beijing Olympic Games," Jan Figel, European commissioner for Education, Training, Culture and Youth, said in a statement.
"The past two weeks have provided European athletes with yet another opportunity to show themselves at their best, and they have certainly not disappointed millions of supporters," the statement said.
"European athletes have not only delivered excellence in competitions as testified in the individual achievements of each participating countries, but they have also demonstrated that team work and fair play are key values to the sporting community of our continent, and to all Europeans," he said.
Figel said the values should be alive not only in the stadium, but also in schools, playgrounds and all the other places where people meet to play or compete.
The commissioner also expressed his longing for the next Olympics, saying that the whole of Europe is looking forward to the great event to be held in London in 2012.
Source:Xinhua
"On behalf of the European Commission, I want to congratulate the hundreds of European athletes who have participated in the Beijing Olympic Games," Jan Figel, European commissioner for Education, Training, Culture and Youth, said in a statement.
"The past two weeks have provided European athletes with yet another opportunity to show themselves at their best, and they have certainly not disappointed millions of supporters," the statement said.
"European athletes have not only delivered excellence in competitions as testified in the individual achievements of each participating countries, but they have also demonstrated that team work and fair play are key values to the sporting community of our continent, and to all Europeans," he said.
Figel said the values should be alive not only in the stadium, but also in schools, playgrounds and all the other places where people meet to play or compete.
The commissioner also expressed his longing for the next Olympics, saying that the whole of Europe is looking forward to the great event to be held in London in 2012.
Source:Xinhua
Games Review: Hosts China up, Russia down in Beijing Games
Beijing will be remembered for China's tremendous breakthrough, the 43 world records here being refreshed and the heroically personal performance by Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt after 16 action-packed days of Olympic Games.
Over 10,500 athletes competing for 906 medals in 28 different sports will say goodbye to the Beijing Games, concluding what was the most watched and competitive Olympics ever, here Sunday evening when the flame that has been blazing for 17 days above the Bird's Nest is snuffed out.
Shall their marks be cherished forever in Beijing as well as in the Olympic history.
Fifty-five countries and regions have been listed on the final gold medal table, and the number amounts to 87 as it went to count on the delegations having won a medal at least, seven more than the previous high in the Sydney Olympic Games eight years ago.
Forty-three world records have been set, while more than 120 Olympic marks have been established.
China, which won 32 golds four years ago in Athens, have claimed a haul of 51 titles to top the gold medal tally, which in general views marks the most accepted measure of Olympic supremacy.
It's the first time in history for China to lead the category, which makes the host nation a most success in two decades since the Soviet Union won 55 in the Seoul Olympics in 1988.
Also, the United States came out the winner, from a different view, by winning 110 medal in all, eight more than that they won four years ago, to break their own record of total medals in a non-boycotted Olympics.
And their gold medal collection marked the second with 36, only trailing the Chinese.
Russia, regarded the delegation with the biggest setback, has down from 27 golds and 92 medals in total four years ago in Athens to 23 golds and 72 medals in all.
A remarkable improvement has been achieved by Britain, which took over the flag from Beijing for next Olympics in London, as they had its best Olympics in a century with 19 gold medals and sat on the fourth following Team Russia.
There're three other nations claimed more than ten gold medals, namingly Germany, Australia and South Korea, making the total number of golds won by the top seven delegations amounted to 172, bettering half of the gold medals in offer.
It was also a forever remembered Olympics for outstanding individuals here.
The Beijing Games have come a coronation for the 23-year-old swimmer Phelps from the United States and the 22-year-old sprinter Bolt of Jamaica, who transformed themselves from notable names within their own sports into global sporting superstars in the past two weeks.
Phelps' relentless brilliance defied history and science as the seven world records and eight golds piled up in the Water Cube, while Bolt glided gloriously clear in the 100m before he worked his golden spikes off in the 200m.
And Britain have their own heroine as Rebecca Adlington won the country's first female swimming gold since 1962.
TREMENDOUS BREAKTHROUGH
Fielding a 639-athlete delegation, China came out the seventh tally leader in history, beating the all-time leaders U. S. and Russia.
The nation has been spread over 17 different events to win 100 medals, including 21 silvers and 28 bronze adding to 51 golds, though only one gold in the medal-rich sports of athletics and swimming having been won by the hosts.
China dominated both the men's and women's weightlifting, pulling down eight golds, only one less than gymnastics. Other traditional sports of the country have also been guaranteed in diving, table tennis and badminton.
More notably, the host nation won its first ever in sailing, beach volleyball and field hockey, in addition to the five in shooting and solos in archery, fencing, rowing, canoeing, swimming, and taekwondo.
Source:Xinhua
Over 10,500 athletes competing for 906 medals in 28 different sports will say goodbye to the Beijing Games, concluding what was the most watched and competitive Olympics ever, here Sunday evening when the flame that has been blazing for 17 days above the Bird's Nest is snuffed out.
Shall their marks be cherished forever in Beijing as well as in the Olympic history.
Fifty-five countries and regions have been listed on the final gold medal table, and the number amounts to 87 as it went to count on the delegations having won a medal at least, seven more than the previous high in the Sydney Olympic Games eight years ago.
Forty-three world records have been set, while more than 120 Olympic marks have been established.
China, which won 32 golds four years ago in Athens, have claimed a haul of 51 titles to top the gold medal tally, which in general views marks the most accepted measure of Olympic supremacy.
It's the first time in history for China to lead the category, which makes the host nation a most success in two decades since the Soviet Union won 55 in the Seoul Olympics in 1988.
Also, the United States came out the winner, from a different view, by winning 110 medal in all, eight more than that they won four years ago, to break their own record of total medals in a non-boycotted Olympics.
And their gold medal collection marked the second with 36, only trailing the Chinese.
Russia, regarded the delegation with the biggest setback, has down from 27 golds and 92 medals in total four years ago in Athens to 23 golds and 72 medals in all.
A remarkable improvement has been achieved by Britain, which took over the flag from Beijing for next Olympics in London, as they had its best Olympics in a century with 19 gold medals and sat on the fourth following Team Russia.
There're three other nations claimed more than ten gold medals, namingly Germany, Australia and South Korea, making the total number of golds won by the top seven delegations amounted to 172, bettering half of the gold medals in offer.
It was also a forever remembered Olympics for outstanding individuals here.
The Beijing Games have come a coronation for the 23-year-old swimmer Phelps from the United States and the 22-year-old sprinter Bolt of Jamaica, who transformed themselves from notable names within their own sports into global sporting superstars in the past two weeks.
Phelps' relentless brilliance defied history and science as the seven world records and eight golds piled up in the Water Cube, while Bolt glided gloriously clear in the 100m before he worked his golden spikes off in the 200m.
And Britain have their own heroine as Rebecca Adlington won the country's first female swimming gold since 1962.
TREMENDOUS BREAKTHROUGH
Fielding a 639-athlete delegation, China came out the seventh tally leader in history, beating the all-time leaders U. S. and Russia.
The nation has been spread over 17 different events to win 100 medals, including 21 silvers and 28 bronze adding to 51 golds, though only one gold in the medal-rich sports of athletics and swimming having been won by the hosts.
China dominated both the men's and women's weightlifting, pulling down eight golds, only one less than gymnastics. Other traditional sports of the country have also been guaranteed in diving, table tennis and badminton.
More notably, the host nation won its first ever in sailing, beach volleyball and field hockey, in addition to the five in shooting and solos in archery, fencing, rowing, canoeing, swimming, and taekwondo.
Source:Xinhua
Media: Unprecedented Beijing Olympics has special meaning to Afghanistan
The Afghan private TV channel Saba broadcast the closing ceremony of Beijing Olympic Games alive on Sunday, and said the unprecedented and impressive Olympics is specially meaningful to the war-torn Afghanistan as a historic Olympic medal has been attained.
"The post-Taliban country has seized the 21st place among over 200 countries by its first ever bronze medal of Taewondo in Beijing," Saba TV said.
"The bronze medalist Rohullah Nikpay is the pride of whole Afghanistan and his success shows the capability of the Afghan people to the rest of the world," it said.
Peikar Farhad, an Afghan journalist told Xinhua, it is the first time he felt so "involved" as the Olympic Games was held in the neighboring China.
"Despite all kinds of difficulties before the Games' opening," he said," the Chinese people showed the China Power to overcome all problems and made a great Olympic Games."
"It is really international and impressive," Abdul Haleem, another Afghan media person said, "it shows the capability of Chinese people."
Source:Xinhua
"The post-Taliban country has seized the 21st place among over 200 countries by its first ever bronze medal of Taewondo in Beijing," Saba TV said.
"The bronze medalist Rohullah Nikpay is the pride of whole Afghanistan and his success shows the capability of the Afghan people to the rest of the world," it said.
Peikar Farhad, an Afghan journalist told Xinhua, it is the first time he felt so "involved" as the Olympic Games was held in the neighboring China.
"Despite all kinds of difficulties before the Games' opening," he said," the Chinese people showed the China Power to overcome all problems and made a great Olympic Games."
"It is really international and impressive," Abdul Haleem, another Afghan media person said, "it shows the capability of Chinese people."
Source:Xinhua
Feature: Beijing Olympics ends with joy and passion
Drums thundered. Fireworks exploded. Hands held. Arms extended... As the Olympic flame went out at the Bird's Nest, Beijing turned the closing ceremony into a jolly farewell party.
The closing extravaganza opened at 8:00 p.m. with more than 90,000 audience packing the stadium counting down from the number of "29", indicating the 29th Olympic Games.
Fireworks burst on top of the Bird's Nest as the countdown ended, forming a great circle in the sky, leaving the audience in raptures.
From "heavenly drums", silver bell danced to men flying in the air on wires. The host combined folk dances with modern techniques, staging an ebullient show of Chinese pride and imagination.
Amid thundering music and roaring cheers, hundreds of athletes from 204 countries and regions walked into the stadium en masse. They mingled in the center of the stadium, laughing, shouting, jumping, hugging...turning the evening gathering into a fun party.
China's basketball superstar Yao Ming, easily recognizable in the crowd, was busy shaking hands, taking photos and receiving hugs from other athletes.
A touching moment came when 12 representatives of volunteers, led by 12 children, walked to the center of the stadium and were presented flowers by the new IOC members of the Athletes' Commission.
"I've never expected this. I am glad that our efforts are appreciated," said Peking University student Tan Yini with a big smile on face, while watching the ceremony from the press tribune.
"I enjoyed so much helping journalists and watching them work over the past days. I feel sad that this is all over and I probably will never see them again," said Tan, a volunteer from the press operations at the Bird's Nest.
During the Games, about 100,000 Olympic volunteers were working day and night, helping athletes, officials, reporters, spectators and tourists in Beijing and the six co-host cities.
Jacques Rogge, the IOC president, paid "particular homage to the thousands of volunteers for their remarkable dedication, patience and endless smiles" in his message to the closing ceremony. "You made the Games," said Rogge.
After the Olympic flag was lowered and handed over to London, the 2008 Olympic host staged a short ceremony to showcase the British enthusiasm. British famed footballer David Beckham stirred up the audience as he showed up and kicked off a football to mark the start of London's Olympic journey.
At 21:25, the Olympic flame slowly went out and a huge "memory tower" elevated at the center of the field with nearly 400 performances simulating the flame on it. The audience, waving luminous props in the hands, swung rhythmically and formed a sky with glittering stars.
Spanish tenor Placido Domingo and Chinese singer Song Zuying brought the audience into ecstasy with their emotional performance of the Flame of Love.
The evening pageant ended in a dancing party as audience and athletes swung to the chorus of a group of Chinese singers, chanting "come, come, please stay.. Tonight, guests from afar, please stay..."
As an old Chinese saying says, all good things must come to an end. To many who have come to Beijing with scrutinizing eyes, the Beijing Games ended well.
"There were very few problems in the Beijing Games. Transportation, organizing, logistics, volunteer services... All better than the games I've been to," Al Pryzbylkowski, a staff with the U.S. magazine Newsweek, said at the closing ceremony.
"Every Games has its flavor. China is certainly impressive in its own way," said the 12-time Olympic participant.
Source:Xinhua
The closing extravaganza opened at 8:00 p.m. with more than 90,000 audience packing the stadium counting down from the number of "29", indicating the 29th Olympic Games.
Fireworks burst on top of the Bird's Nest as the countdown ended, forming a great circle in the sky, leaving the audience in raptures.
From "heavenly drums", silver bell danced to men flying in the air on wires. The host combined folk dances with modern techniques, staging an ebullient show of Chinese pride and imagination.
Amid thundering music and roaring cheers, hundreds of athletes from 204 countries and regions walked into the stadium en masse. They mingled in the center of the stadium, laughing, shouting, jumping, hugging...turning the evening gathering into a fun party.
China's basketball superstar Yao Ming, easily recognizable in the crowd, was busy shaking hands, taking photos and receiving hugs from other athletes.
A touching moment came when 12 representatives of volunteers, led by 12 children, walked to the center of the stadium and were presented flowers by the new IOC members of the Athletes' Commission.
"I've never expected this. I am glad that our efforts are appreciated," said Peking University student Tan Yini with a big smile on face, while watching the ceremony from the press tribune.
"I enjoyed so much helping journalists and watching them work over the past days. I feel sad that this is all over and I probably will never see them again," said Tan, a volunteer from the press operations at the Bird's Nest.
During the Games, about 100,000 Olympic volunteers were working day and night, helping athletes, officials, reporters, spectators and tourists in Beijing and the six co-host cities.
Jacques Rogge, the IOC president, paid "particular homage to the thousands of volunteers for their remarkable dedication, patience and endless smiles" in his message to the closing ceremony. "You made the Games," said Rogge.
After the Olympic flag was lowered and handed over to London, the 2008 Olympic host staged a short ceremony to showcase the British enthusiasm. British famed footballer David Beckham stirred up the audience as he showed up and kicked off a football to mark the start of London's Olympic journey.
At 21:25, the Olympic flame slowly went out and a huge "memory tower" elevated at the center of the field with nearly 400 performances simulating the flame on it. The audience, waving luminous props in the hands, swung rhythmically and formed a sky with glittering stars.
Spanish tenor Placido Domingo and Chinese singer Song Zuying brought the audience into ecstasy with their emotional performance of the Flame of Love.
The evening pageant ended in a dancing party as audience and athletes swung to the chorus of a group of Chinese singers, chanting "come, come, please stay.. Tonight, guests from afar, please stay..."
As an old Chinese saying says, all good things must come to an end. To many who have come to Beijing with scrutinizing eyes, the Beijing Games ended well.
"There were very few problems in the Beijing Games. Transportation, organizing, logistics, volunteer services... All better than the games I've been to," Al Pryzbylkowski, a staff with the U.S. magazine Newsweek, said at the closing ceremony.
"Every Games has its flavor. China is certainly impressive in its own way," said the 12-time Olympic participant.
Source:Xinhua
Chinese students in Japan hail success of Beijing Olympics
Dozens of Chinese students studying in Japan rallied Sunday to celebrate the success of the Beijing Olympics.
More than 70 representatives of Chinese students from around Japan gathered at the education section of the Chinese embassy to exchange their ideas about the successful Beijing Games and watch the the Games' closing ceremony.
"The successive gold medals won by the Chinese athletes and intensive coverage by world media of the Games got across to me the fact that China has grown much stronger," said Li Guangzhe, chairman of the Chinese Students in Japan Friendship Association.
He said the success of the Games go far beyond merely sports, but an indication of China's economic growth and cultural advance.
Zhang Bi, a doctorate student at Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology and one of the three Chinese torch-bearers at the Olympic flame relay's Nagano stop, said the Beijing Olympics has demonstrated the Olympic spirits throughout the whole process and presented to the world a real and vivid image of China.
Han Bing, another doctorate student, said her Japanese teachers and fellow student were all impressed by the opening ceremony, wonderful venues and volunteers. She said they were convinced that the Beijing Games, held in the most populous country in the world, will leave great spiritual asset to China in the same way that the Tokyo Olympiad did.
Source:Xinhua
More than 70 representatives of Chinese students from around Japan gathered at the education section of the Chinese embassy to exchange their ideas about the successful Beijing Games and watch the the Games' closing ceremony.
"The successive gold medals won by the Chinese athletes and intensive coverage by world media of the Games got across to me the fact that China has grown much stronger," said Li Guangzhe, chairman of the Chinese Students in Japan Friendship Association.
He said the success of the Games go far beyond merely sports, but an indication of China's economic growth and cultural advance.
Zhang Bi, a doctorate student at Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology and one of the three Chinese torch-bearers at the Olympic flame relay's Nagano stop, said the Beijing Olympics has demonstrated the Olympic spirits throughout the whole process and presented to the world a real and vivid image of China.
Han Bing, another doctorate student, said her Japanese teachers and fellow student were all impressed by the opening ceremony, wonderful venues and volunteers. She said they were convinced that the Beijing Games, held in the most populous country in the world, will leave great spiritual asset to China in the same way that the Tokyo Olympiad did.
Source:Xinhua
New Yorkers expect for Beijing Olympic closing ceremony broadccast
TV viewers in the United States will have to wait for 12 hours to see the extravaganza of the closing ceremony of the Beijing Olympiad on Sunday night local time, but expectations are running high.
On New York's Times Square, police officer Jasmine Murry expects big crowds before the large screen of National Broadcasting Company , which owns the exclusive broadcast rights to the Beijing Olympics.
"This is Times Square, the 'crossroads of the world,'" Murry said. "Everyone, every country stands right here, looking at the big TV."
At "Wang Chen Table Tennis Club" several blocks west of New York's Central Park, the mood has been joyous since Wang Chen succeeded in making her to the quarter finals in women's table tennis singles, the best Olympics performance for the Americans.
Wally Green, a regular at the club and played in several professional tournaments around the world, said he was amazed by the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics, especially the scene when 58 actors performed on a huge globe, with half of them being upside down for part of the time.
Green said he would watch the closing ceremony with friends.
Source:Xinhua
On New York's Times Square, police officer Jasmine Murry expects big crowds before the large screen of National Broadcasting Company , which owns the exclusive broadcast rights to the Beijing Olympics.
"This is Times Square, the 'crossroads of the world,'" Murry said. "Everyone, every country stands right here, looking at the big TV."
At "Wang Chen Table Tennis Club" several blocks west of New York's Central Park, the mood has been joyous since Wang Chen succeeded in making her to the quarter finals in women's table tennis singles, the best Olympics performance for the Americans.
Wally Green, a regular at the club and played in several professional tournaments around the world, said he was amazed by the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics, especially the scene when 58 actors performed on a huge globe, with half of them being upside down for part of the time.
Green said he would watch the closing ceremony with friends.
Source:Xinhua
French TV: Beijing Olympiad's closing ceremony unique
French television channel France 3 on Sunday broadcast live the closing ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, saying the performances were unique and impressive.
An anchor said the design of the extinction of the Olympic flame reminds the audience of the flame igniting in the opening ceremony and will exert a deep impression on them.
Another noted that performers dressed in different costumes of China's various ethnic groups, showcasing the country's multi-nationality characteristics.
France 3 also invited Wang Hua, a former Chinese diplomat working in France, as a guest commentator during the broadcast.
Wang said the Beijing Olympic Games fully embodied the unique charm of the Olympic movement which enabled all its participants to see a real China.
Each day more than 1 million viewers watched the Beijing Olympics on France 3 since the Games started, said the anchor.
Source:Xinhua
An anchor said the design of the extinction of the Olympic flame reminds the audience of the flame igniting in the opening ceremony and will exert a deep impression on them.
Another noted that performers dressed in different costumes of China's various ethnic groups, showcasing the country's multi-nationality characteristics.
France 3 also invited Wang Hua, a former Chinese diplomat working in France, as a guest commentator during the broadcast.
Wang said the Beijing Olympic Games fully embodied the unique charm of the Olympic movement which enabled all its participants to see a real China.
Each day more than 1 million viewers watched the Beijing Olympics on France 3 since the Games started, said the anchor.
Source:Xinhua
U.S. paper lauds Beijing Olympics as "triumph"
The Beijing Olympics "were a triumph of the will for a people and a government determined to show their skill and confidence," the Los Angeles Times said on Sunday.
"They were a triumph of the will for a people and a government determined to show their skill and confidence, as both athletes and organizers, to a world that once treated China as a weak, servile nation," the paper noted.
"China won the most gold medals, hardly a surprise when a country of 1.3 billion people decides such a goal is important and commits enormous resources to achieving it," the paper said. "China also built sports venues that combined gargantuan scale and striking architecture in a way no previous Olympic host could afford.
Doping never became the issue at the games, the paper said.
International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge had predicted from 30 to 40 positives, based on purely mathematical projections of past results and increased numbers of tests.
But as of Sunday, with analysis reports on the final five days' samples yet to come, there had been just six positives out of 4,600 tests during the Games, only two involving medalists, none of them gold medalists. There were 26 doping violations in 2004, including three gold medalists.
"It is more difficult to cheat," Rogge was quoted as saying, noting that 39 other athletes were banned from competing in Beijing after being caught by pre-Olympic testing.
The sky fell into the "blue" category, according to the measurements of air pollution, the paper said.
Despite turning an eerie white and then a murky haze that hung over Beijing for a week, the sky actually went blue in the middle of the first week of competition and the sun came out most every other day, the paper said.
"The Beijing Olympics wound up looking as most expected," the paper concluded.
Source:Xinhua
"They were a triumph of the will for a people and a government determined to show their skill and confidence, as both athletes and organizers, to a world that once treated China as a weak, servile nation," the paper noted.
"China won the most gold medals, hardly a surprise when a country of 1.3 billion people decides such a goal is important and commits enormous resources to achieving it," the paper said. "China also built sports venues that combined gargantuan scale and striking architecture in a way no previous Olympic host could afford.
Doping never became the issue at the games, the paper said.
International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge had predicted from 30 to 40 positives, based on purely mathematical projections of past results and increased numbers of tests.
But as of Sunday, with analysis reports on the final five days' samples yet to come, there had been just six positives out of 4,600 tests during the Games, only two involving medalists, none of them gold medalists. There were 26 doping violations in 2004, including three gold medalists.
"It is more difficult to cheat," Rogge was quoted as saying, noting that 39 other athletes were banned from competing in Beijing after being caught by pre-Olympic testing.
The sky fell into the "blue" category, according to the measurements of air pollution, the paper said.
Despite turning an eerie white and then a murky haze that hung over Beijing for a week, the sky actually went blue in the middle of the first week of competition and the sun came out most every other day, the paper said.
"The Beijing Olympics wound up looking as most expected," the paper concluded.
Source:Xinhua
Brazil wins, so does "Iron Hammer" Lang
There is no loser in women's volleyball on Saturday night, though it is virtually a team of grinning Brazilian girls, hopping and almost dancing at the top of the podium to celebrate their first-ever Olympic gold.
The always-emotional Americans did not bother to control their joyful tears this time as they bagged the country's second, but the first for all the players, silver medal home. A Chinese squad, led by their current head coach Lang Ping, crushed their golden dreams at home court 24 years ago in Los Angeles.
Brazil, playing ballet-like delicate passing and samba-like quick smashing, turned the first clash between the two teams at Beijing Games into an artistic 25-15, 18-25, 25-13 and 25-21 victory.
The ecstatic South Americans screamed, cried, huddled and tossed their captain Helia Souza in the air before they paraded their excitement around the court, wrapping themselves with the Brazilian national flag.
Among all the Brazilian girls, Marianne Steinbrecher might be the luckiest one as there can't be a better gift to celebrate her 25th birthday on Saturday than an Olympic gold medal.
"It's a gift from God. But many many thanks I would like to give to the whole team and our coach," said the 1.88-meter wing spiker who scored 14 points for her team, the second highest after stunning Sheilla Castro.
As a matter of fact, the gold medal is a late reward to the Brazilians, who has long been ranked World's No. 1, but failed to win either championship of the three major international tournament, namely, World Cup, World Championship and the Olympics before.
But the Brazilian finished the gold drought in nearly-perfect way. They only conceded one set throughout the Beijing Games.
"We are the best team in the world, now I can say it," said Brazil's head coach Jose Robert Guimaraes.
With the gold medal, the Brazilian man also made history to become the first coach to guide a men's and a women's team to win an Olympic Gold. Guimaraes led a well-organized Brazil men's team to win the volleyball championship at the 1992 Barcelona Games.
"I'm very glad and very proud to engrave my names in the history of volleyball with such achievements," he said.
Guimaraes's American counterpart Lang Ping also proved herself as one of the best volleyball coaches in the world after the match.
In the overwhelming "Lang Ping Jiayou ", the U.S. players enjoyed a "home advantage" that other foreign teams might never have chance to taste.
It's the second time for the 47-year-old Lang, once the most famous Chinese volleyballer, to lead a team to win the Olympic silver. Lang was the head coach of the Chinese women volleyball team when they became the runners-up at the 1996 Games. She took the helm of the United States' team in 2005.
"She's been our leaders for nearly four years and we respect her. She developed a style for our team to drive us fight hard and we also showed her we can do it," said the U. S. player Lindsey Berg.
Lang extended congratulations to the Chinese team, who won the bronze medal, and gratitude to the home fans at the post-match press conference.
"I think all my fans are really proud of me as a Chinese who is coaching the U. S. team. We actually really shared about our technical experience internationally and you can also see the fans how much they feel supporting us," said Lang, but she declined the possibility to coach the Chinese team again.
"There are many great coaches in China and I also would like to spend more time with my daughter," she said.
Earlier in the bronze medal match, China upset Cuba 3-1.
The defending champion, shrugging off the humiliating straight-set loss to Brazil in the semifinals, won the morale-boosting match, 25-16, 21-25, 25-13 and 25-20.
Although the host easily won the first set, Cuba, three-time champion in 1992, 1996 and 2000 fought back to win the second set. But China's powerful serving and solid blocking overpowered the Cubans who failed to win another set.
Source:Xinhua
The always-emotional Americans did not bother to control their joyful tears this time as they bagged the country's second, but the first for all the players, silver medal home. A Chinese squad, led by their current head coach Lang Ping, crushed their golden dreams at home court 24 years ago in Los Angeles.
Brazil, playing ballet-like delicate passing and samba-like quick smashing, turned the first clash between the two teams at Beijing Games into an artistic 25-15, 18-25, 25-13 and 25-21 victory.
The ecstatic South Americans screamed, cried, huddled and tossed their captain Helia Souza in the air before they paraded their excitement around the court, wrapping themselves with the Brazilian national flag.
Among all the Brazilian girls, Marianne Steinbrecher might be the luckiest one as there can't be a better gift to celebrate her 25th birthday on Saturday than an Olympic gold medal.
"It's a gift from God. But many many thanks I would like to give to the whole team and our coach," said the 1.88-meter wing spiker who scored 14 points for her team, the second highest after stunning Sheilla Castro.
As a matter of fact, the gold medal is a late reward to the Brazilians, who has long been ranked World's No. 1, but failed to win either championship of the three major international tournament, namely, World Cup, World Championship and the Olympics before.
But the Brazilian finished the gold drought in nearly-perfect way. They only conceded one set throughout the Beijing Games.
"We are the best team in the world, now I can say it," said Brazil's head coach Jose Robert Guimaraes.
With the gold medal, the Brazilian man also made history to become the first coach to guide a men's and a women's team to win an Olympic Gold. Guimaraes led a well-organized Brazil men's team to win the volleyball championship at the 1992 Barcelona Games.
"I'm very glad and very proud to engrave my names in the history of volleyball with such achievements," he said.
Guimaraes's American counterpart Lang Ping also proved herself as one of the best volleyball coaches in the world after the match.
In the overwhelming "Lang Ping Jiayou ", the U.S. players enjoyed a "home advantage" that other foreign teams might never have chance to taste.
It's the second time for the 47-year-old Lang, once the most famous Chinese volleyballer, to lead a team to win the Olympic silver. Lang was the head coach of the Chinese women volleyball team when they became the runners-up at the 1996 Games. She took the helm of the United States' team in 2005.
"She's been our leaders for nearly four years and we respect her. She developed a style for our team to drive us fight hard and we also showed her we can do it," said the U. S. player Lindsey Berg.
Lang extended congratulations to the Chinese team, who won the bronze medal, and gratitude to the home fans at the post-match press conference.
"I think all my fans are really proud of me as a Chinese who is coaching the U. S. team. We actually really shared about our technical experience internationally and you can also see the fans how much they feel supporting us," said Lang, but she declined the possibility to coach the Chinese team again.
"There are many great coaches in China and I also would like to spend more time with my daughter," she said.
Earlier in the bronze medal match, China upset Cuba 3-1.
The defending champion, shrugging off the humiliating straight-set loss to Brazil in the semifinals, won the morale-boosting match, 25-16, 21-25, 25-13 and 25-20.
Although the host easily won the first set, Cuba, three-time champion in 1992, 1996 and 2000 fought back to win the second set. But China's powerful serving and solid blocking overpowered the Cubans who failed to win another set.
Source:Xinhua
Celebrating success of Olympics
Amid towering ancient trees, fragrant flowers and whispering creeks, President Hu Jintao and his wife Liu Yongqing hosted a banquet lunch for state leaders and royalty attending the closing ceremony of the Beijing Olympics yesterday.
Unlike the grand luncheon held at the Great Hall of the People on Aug 8 for the opening ceremony of the Games, yesterday's event at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse was an elegant, understated affair to review the joy and excitement of the past two weeks.
"The success of the Beijing Olympic Games is attributable to the concerted efforts of the Chinese people and people from the rest of the world," President Hu said in a toast at the banquet.
"The glory goes to the Olympic Family, to athletes who have competed hard, to volunteers from different parts of the world and to friends the world over who have been involved in the Beijing Olympic Games in various ways," he said.
Hu congratulated competitors from all the teams on their outstanding performance, and said the Chinese people have shared the joy and happiness with friends from around the world.
He also promised that China will deliver a high-standard Paralympic Games next month, in line with the goal of "Two Games, Equal Splendor".
Guests representing more than 20 countries and regions attended the lunch decorated with precious antiques, huge Chinese paintings of peonies and Peking Opera masks.
Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who took his oath of office a week ago, was making his international debut.
Estonian Prime Minister Andrus Ansip's wife, Anu Ansip, caught attention yesterday for wearing a blue cheongsam.
Many agreed that the luncheon marked the joy of achievements and things to come, rather than that of farewell.
"We all look forward to the reunion in London four years from now," Hu said in his toast.
Source: China Daily
Unlike the grand luncheon held at the Great Hall of the People on Aug 8 for the opening ceremony of the Games, yesterday's event at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse was an elegant, understated affair to review the joy and excitement of the past two weeks.
"The success of the Beijing Olympic Games is attributable to the concerted efforts of the Chinese people and people from the rest of the world," President Hu said in a toast at the banquet.
"The glory goes to the Olympic Family, to athletes who have competed hard, to volunteers from different parts of the world and to friends the world over who have been involved in the Beijing Olympic Games in various ways," he said.
Hu congratulated competitors from all the teams on their outstanding performance, and said the Chinese people have shared the joy and happiness with friends from around the world.
He also promised that China will deliver a high-standard Paralympic Games next month, in line with the goal of "Two Games, Equal Splendor".
Guests representing more than 20 countries and regions attended the lunch decorated with precious antiques, huge Chinese paintings of peonies and Peking Opera masks.
Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who took his oath of office a week ago, was making his international debut.
Estonian Prime Minister Andrus Ansip's wife, Anu Ansip, caught attention yesterday for wearing a blue cheongsam.
Many agreed that the luncheon marked the joy of achievements and things to come, rather than that of farewell.
"We all look forward to the reunion in London four years from now," Hu said in his toast.
Source: China Daily
Wushu in new fashion
China's wushu team demonstrated not only fierce fighting and dazzling technical moves during the Olympics, but also stylish new uniforms.
Participants in the Beijing 2008 Wushu Tournament, which ran concurrently with the Games, wore black suits made of Dri-FIT, a new material designed by Nike, which draws sweat away from the body.
"I used to think it was impossible to design fashionable clothing for such an ancient sport, but their work surprised me," said Ma Lingjuan, China's gold medalist at the 2008 tournament.
"The new outfit is attractive and comfortable compared with the old silk one, which would stick to the skin when it got wet," he said.
The sport of wushu has sought to be included in the Olympic Games for many years. Organizers seized the opportunity of the Beijing Games to hold a tournament nearby.
"The tournament is a good opportunity for wushu to be seen at the Olympics. In the Opening Ceremony, we also displayed taiji to the world," said coach Wang Erping.
Source: China Daily
Participants in the Beijing 2008 Wushu Tournament, which ran concurrently with the Games, wore black suits made of Dri-FIT, a new material designed by Nike, which draws sweat away from the body.
"I used to think it was impossible to design fashionable clothing for such an ancient sport, but their work surprised me," said Ma Lingjuan, China's gold medalist at the 2008 tournament.
"The new outfit is attractive and comfortable compared with the old silk one, which would stick to the skin when it got wet," he said.
The sport of wushu has sought to be included in the Olympic Games for many years. Organizers seized the opportunity of the Beijing Games to hold a tournament nearby.
"The tournament is a good opportunity for wushu to be seen at the Olympics. In the Opening Ceremony, we also displayed taiji to the world," said coach Wang Erping.
Source: China Daily
Asian style key to success
A variety of tactics and a unique style, not just home advantage, was the key to China's breakthrough in Olympic boxing, Chinese boxers and coaches said yesterday.
Chinese boxers showed solid defense and clever counter-attack skills en route to winning two Olympic boxing gold medals, one silver and one bronze - its best-ever performance in the sport. Boxers and coaches said it was a display of typical Asian boxing style.
"We play like Asians in the ring. We are simply more flexible. That's our style," said new light flyweight Olympic champion Zou Shiming, who is famous for the "pirate boxing" tactics developed by his long-time coach Zhang Chuanliang.
On his way to claiming China's first boxing gold medal, Zou's swift footing enabled the former wushu athlete to keep himself untouchable to opponents by staying constantly in motion in the ring.
At the Sydney and Athens Games China's boxing tactics were not as advanced as they are now. China won only one bronze medal in Athens; all three of its boxers were knocked out of the competition in their first bouts in Sydney.
"Over the years, we have not hired any foreign coaches, but we developed a training system different from the West both in terms of pace and technique. Our way of training and tactics are based on the advantages of Asian boxers, who tend to move swiftly," said Zhang, Zou's 54-year-old coach who has trained the Grand Slam boxer for eight years.
"Zou is perhaps the best case," Zhang said.
Even China's heavyweight boxers stick to flexible tactics.
"No matter what difficulties we run into, I always tell my students to keep a cool mind and never lose our own strategy, which focuses on swift counter-attacks," said Chao Lu, a former Olympic boxer who coached 26-year-old Zhang Xiaoping to win a surprising gold medal in light heavyweight 81kg.
The 1.88m Zhang was a giant killer in Beijing, using his counter-attack strategy to knock out Russia's World Championship silver medalist Artur Beterbiev in the second round, Kazakhstan's Yerkebulan Shynaliyev in the semifinal and Ireland's Kenny Egan in the final.
Boxers were also told not to abandon their strategy no matter what happened.
"I told Zou to never lose his brain in the bout. Play as we plan and we can discuss the next tactics in the intervals according to the changes the opponent makes. Our tactics differ from bout to bout and from round to round," said Zou's coach Zhang.
"I am always very calm, because I know I have to stay cool in order not to get intimidated by my opponent and stick to my tactics," said newly crowned light heavyweight champion Zhang Xiaoping.
But what happens when Chinese boxers play aggressively like their European opponents? China's welterweight boxer Hanati Silamu, for example, tried a head-on clash with silver medalist Carlos Banteaux Suarez from Cuba in the semifinals. He lost 17-4.
Source: China Daily
Chinese boxers showed solid defense and clever counter-attack skills en route to winning two Olympic boxing gold medals, one silver and one bronze - its best-ever performance in the sport. Boxers and coaches said it was a display of typical Asian boxing style.
"We play like Asians in the ring. We are simply more flexible. That's our style," said new light flyweight Olympic champion Zou Shiming, who is famous for the "pirate boxing" tactics developed by his long-time coach Zhang Chuanliang.
On his way to claiming China's first boxing gold medal, Zou's swift footing enabled the former wushu athlete to keep himself untouchable to opponents by staying constantly in motion in the ring.
At the Sydney and Athens Games China's boxing tactics were not as advanced as they are now. China won only one bronze medal in Athens; all three of its boxers were knocked out of the competition in their first bouts in Sydney.
"Over the years, we have not hired any foreign coaches, but we developed a training system different from the West both in terms of pace and technique. Our way of training and tactics are based on the advantages of Asian boxers, who tend to move swiftly," said Zhang, Zou's 54-year-old coach who has trained the Grand Slam boxer for eight years.
"Zou is perhaps the best case," Zhang said.
Even China's heavyweight boxers stick to flexible tactics.
"No matter what difficulties we run into, I always tell my students to keep a cool mind and never lose our own strategy, which focuses on swift counter-attacks," said Chao Lu, a former Olympic boxer who coached 26-year-old Zhang Xiaoping to win a surprising gold medal in light heavyweight 81kg.
The 1.88m Zhang was a giant killer in Beijing, using his counter-attack strategy to knock out Russia's World Championship silver medalist Artur Beterbiev in the second round, Kazakhstan's Yerkebulan Shynaliyev in the semifinal and Ireland's Kenny Egan in the final.
Boxers were also told not to abandon their strategy no matter what happened.
"I told Zou to never lose his brain in the bout. Play as we plan and we can discuss the next tactics in the intervals according to the changes the opponent makes. Our tactics differ from bout to bout and from round to round," said Zou's coach Zhang.
"I am always very calm, because I know I have to stay cool in order not to get intimidated by my opponent and stick to my tactics," said newly crowned light heavyweight champion Zhang Xiaoping.
But what happens when Chinese boxers play aggressively like their European opponents? China's welterweight boxer Hanati Silamu, for example, tried a head-on clash with silver medalist Carlos Banteaux Suarez from Cuba in the semifinals. He lost 17-4.
Source: China Daily
Olympic regatta sails into history
The Sailing Regatta of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games came to an end with a spectacular farewell party on Saturday, marking the conclusion of what International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge called a "most successful" event.
The Beijing Olympic organizing committee also praised the effort in a letter sent to the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Committee, expressing appreciation for the enormous effort and organization required.
Altogether 400 athletes from 62 countries and regions with 272 sailing boats completed 117 races in nine classes at the Olympic sailing competition. Eleven gold medals were awarded in Qingdao.
The Chinese sailing team won one gold and one bronze, setting a new record in competitive sailing for China.
"We presented the world a unique and high-class Olympic sailing event and Qingdao deserves the world's trust and the favor of history," said Xia Geng, mayor of Qingdao, at Saturday's party.
The event drew wide acclaim from 108 VIP groups, including officials from the International Sailing Federation.
Among the achievements cited were the design, building and operation of the Qingdao Olympic Village, which provided an excellent living environment for athletes.
"This time in Qingdao I saw such a beautiful Olympic Village, which was still under construction a year ago. Great changes also took place in the city with many new, nice buildings," said Gilbert Felli, IOC executive director.
More than 200,000 spectators visited Qingdao's theme park and breakwater - the first of its kind in Olympic history - during the competition, while six observation boats accommodated 6,323 passengers.
More than 1,800 venue volunteers together with 1,000 city volunteers and 10,000 from the public sector donated their time and effort for the competition.
Publicity and media operations went smoothly as 25 media outlets from 20 countries and regions had operations at the Olympic regatta. Almost 300 accredited journalists from China and abroad covered the races.
A multi-dimensional security system on land, sea, air and under the water operated well throughout the event. A delegation from Britain - host of the 2012 Games - came to Qingdao to learn more about the Olympics security.
Richard Bryan, director of the delegation, said Qingdao did a good job.
"London will hold the next Olympics. We hope that we will have more chances to communicate with Qingdao organizers and take some of that experience back to London," he said.
Chinese sailing gold medalist Yin Jian said simply: "Qingdao has been a great blessing to me."
Source: China Daily
The Beijing Olympic organizing committee also praised the effort in a letter sent to the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Committee, expressing appreciation for the enormous effort and organization required.
Altogether 400 athletes from 62 countries and regions with 272 sailing boats completed 117 races in nine classes at the Olympic sailing competition. Eleven gold medals were awarded in Qingdao.
The Chinese sailing team won one gold and one bronze, setting a new record in competitive sailing for China.
"We presented the world a unique and high-class Olympic sailing event and Qingdao deserves the world's trust and the favor of history," said Xia Geng, mayor of Qingdao, at Saturday's party.
The event drew wide acclaim from 108 VIP groups, including officials from the International Sailing Federation.
Among the achievements cited were the design, building and operation of the Qingdao Olympic Village, which provided an excellent living environment for athletes.
"This time in Qingdao I saw such a beautiful Olympic Village, which was still under construction a year ago. Great changes also took place in the city with many new, nice buildings," said Gilbert Felli, IOC executive director.
More than 200,000 spectators visited Qingdao's theme park and breakwater - the first of its kind in Olympic history - during the competition, while six observation boats accommodated 6,323 passengers.
More than 1,800 venue volunteers together with 1,000 city volunteers and 10,000 from the public sector donated their time and effort for the competition.
Publicity and media operations went smoothly as 25 media outlets from 20 countries and regions had operations at the Olympic regatta. Almost 300 accredited journalists from China and abroad covered the races.
A multi-dimensional security system on land, sea, air and under the water operated well throughout the event. A delegation from Britain - host of the 2012 Games - came to Qingdao to learn more about the Olympics security.
Richard Bryan, director of the delegation, said Qingdao did a good job.
"London will hold the next Olympics. We hope that we will have more chances to communicate with Qingdao organizers and take some of that experience back to London," he said.
Chinese sailing gold medalist Yin Jian said simply: "Qingdao has been a great blessing to me."
Source: China Daily
Tunisian Olympic official hails Beijing Games as "most successful" in history
The Beijing Olympic Games is the "best and most successful" in history, a senior official of Tunisian Olympic Committee said in Tunisia on Sunday.
The Chinese government and people have done their best to prepare for the great event, Secretary-general Amar Ghouila told Xinhua in a telephone interview soon after he returned home from Beijing.
The official, who has attended six Olympic Games, said the Beijing Games excels in all aspects including venues, equipment and services.
He said that during its stay in Beijing, the Tunisian delegation has witnessed the friendliness and hospitality of the Chinese people and the experience would become an unforgettable memory for all the athletes.
Ghouila also noted Tunisia won its first Olympic swimming gold medal during the Beijing Games, which has thrilled the north African country and its Arab neighbors.
Source:Xinhua
The Chinese government and people have done their best to prepare for the great event, Secretary-general Amar Ghouila told Xinhua in a telephone interview soon after he returned home from Beijing.
The official, who has attended six Olympic Games, said the Beijing Games excels in all aspects including venues, equipment and services.
He said that during its stay in Beijing, the Tunisian delegation has witnessed the friendliness and hospitality of the Chinese people and the experience would become an unforgettable memory for all the athletes.
Ghouila also noted Tunisia won its first Olympic swimming gold medal during the Beijing Games, which has thrilled the north African country and its Arab neighbors.
Source:Xinhua
Performance of Russian team at Beijing Olympics satisfactory: legislators
Russian athletes performed well at the Beijing Olympics, but the country's potential in sports has not been displayed to the full, said senior members of the State Duma, lower house of the parliament.
Russia "faced the well-trained Chinese squad and Americans who were traditionally strong in summer Olympic Games" at the Beijing Games, Sergei Kolesnikov, deputy chairman of the State Duma Health Protection Committee, was quoted by the Itar-Tass news agency as saying.
Russia's third place on the medal tally is a success, he said. "Honestly speaking, I did not even expect that the Russian team will leave Beijing with this result."
Pavel Medvedev, a member of the Financial Market Committee, said he is satisfied with the performance of Russian athletes at the Beijing Olympics.
"We witness improvement in all spheres, including mass sport, and this would not have been possible without serious financial inputs in this sphere," said the legislator, who described the government's move to raise prize money for medal winners at the Olympics as "timely and correct."
However, Medvedev said Russia's "potential is far from exhausted," and expressed his belief that it will be shown at the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in the country's Black Sea resort of Sochi.
Igor Barinov, first deputy chairman of the Defense Committee, believed that Russia ranked third after China and the United States largely due to objective reasons.
"Incidentally, our expectations were more optimistic, but the result is logical," Barinov said, adding that Russia is now confidently making up for the loss in recent years - the state allocates more funds for sports.
"We yielded in a tense struggle, but in future, I hope, we shall finish with flying colors," he said.
Source:Xinhua
Russia "faced the well-trained Chinese squad and Americans who were traditionally strong in summer Olympic Games" at the Beijing Games, Sergei Kolesnikov, deputy chairman of the State Duma Health Protection Committee, was quoted by the Itar-Tass news agency as saying.
Russia's third place on the medal tally is a success, he said. "Honestly speaking, I did not even expect that the Russian team will leave Beijing with this result."
Pavel Medvedev, a member of the Financial Market Committee, said he is satisfied with the performance of Russian athletes at the Beijing Olympics.
"We witness improvement in all spheres, including mass sport, and this would not have been possible without serious financial inputs in this sphere," said the legislator, who described the government's move to raise prize money for medal winners at the Olympics as "timely and correct."
However, Medvedev said Russia's "potential is far from exhausted," and expressed his belief that it will be shown at the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in the country's Black Sea resort of Sochi.
Igor Barinov, first deputy chairman of the Defense Committee, believed that Russia ranked third after China and the United States largely due to objective reasons.
"Incidentally, our expectations were more optimistic, but the result is logical," Barinov said, adding that Russia is now confidently making up for the loss in recent years - the state allocates more funds for sports.
"We yielded in a tense struggle, but in future, I hope, we shall finish with flying colors," he said.
Source:Xinhua
Feature: Beijing Games close, but Olympic spirit here to stay
The Beijing Olympic flame went out atop the futuristic Bird's Nest in northern Beijing Sunday night, marking the conclusion of what International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge described as "truly exceptional Games".
The host nation basked in revelry as dazzling fireworks lit up the sky and worldwide athletes gathered together to celebrate the success of the Beijing Games.
But a smack of sadness mingled with the jubilation when Rogge declared the closing of the Games and Beijing Mayor Guo Jinlong handed over the Olympic flag to Boris Johnson, mayor of London, host of the 2012 Games.
"I feel so sad I want to cry," said Wang Bin, a student from Beijing Language and Culture University and volunteer for the Games. "I really wish these 16 days could start all over again."
"Tonight, we come to the end of 16 glorious days which we will cherish forever," Rogge said in a speech at the closing gala. "Through these Games, the world learned more about China, and China learned more about the world."
The Beijing Games are a testimony of the fact that the world has its trust rested upon China, said Liu Qi, president of the Beijing Organizing Committee of the 29th Olympic Games . "The Chinese people, teeming with enthusiasm, have honored the commitments they solemnly made."
French handball player Daniel Narcisse was the last athlete to leave the Beijing Olympic competition venues Sunday afternoon, after his team beat their Icelandic opponents 28-23 to take the last of the total 302 gold medals on offer at the Beijing Games.
When all his teammates were gone, Narcisse lingered for a while on the field, reluctant to leave the National Indoor Stadium close to the Bird's Nest. The glory could be his last game.
Narcisse, who began playing at seven, encountered the Icelandic team in his debut in 2000. Back then neither Narcisse nor his team were as strong as they are today.
Now at 28, he will probably retire, after years of struggling with cartilage injuries, a world championship in 2001, and now a final Olympic title.
"You were true role models. You have shown us the unifying power of sport," Rogge said of the worldwide athletes to the Games. "The Olympic spirit lives in the warm embrace of competitors from nations in conflict. Keep that spirit alive when you return home."
The past 16 days has witnessed innumerable miracles, with legendary "Lightning" Bolt sweeping three gold medals on the track and Michael Phelps taking all his desired eight golds in the pool.
Their legends have exerted so much impact that, in the host nation alone, everyone has suddenly become interested in everything about Jamaica, the island country in the Caribbean Sea where Bolt is from.
Just type in Jamaica in Chinese at baidu.com, the leading Chinese search engine, and you will find nearly 10,000 matches, mostly about Bolt himself or his sport, sprint.
Meanwhile, American "superfish" Phelps has won so many hearts in China that avid fans are hooked to the Internet day in day out just to talk about him. Online chatrooms have been named "Phelps' posting bar" or simply "Phelpsians", the new coinage meaning unprecedented victory. Many insist the transliteration of his name, "Fei Er Pu Si" should be included in the Chinese dictionary.
Yet at the end of the Games, it is more than the stars and golds that are remembered.
Every Olympian is a hero, and the 10,000-odd athletes from 204 delegations will all be remembered for their painstaking to fulfill their own dreams, and to pursue the Olympic spirit "higher, swifter and stronger".
"We are reluctant to say goodbye," said an editorial to be published on the People's Daily on Monday. "For 16 days and 16 nights, we basked in the happiness and pride of the Olympiad... China's fulfillment of its centennial dream coincides with the world."
The Games have concluded, but the Olympic spirit is here to stay, thanks to the power, charm and perseverance demonstrated by worldwide Olympians.
When the time the Olympics open in London in four years and people look back at the Beijing Games, they will probably easily remember Bolt and Phelps.
We are not sure how many will remember Natalie du Toit, but the story of the South African amputee swimmer who completed the grueling 10-km open water race will certainly go down in Olympic history.
We are not sure whether former Chinese fencer Luan Jujie will compete again in London, at 54. But her comeback in Beijing is certainly a success story of testing one's own limits, though not necessarily winning a medal.
Our congratulations and thanks go to all the Olympians who have made the Beijing Games so much better, and left behind the sportsmanship and heroism that will inspire for many generations.
Source:Xinhua
The host nation basked in revelry as dazzling fireworks lit up the sky and worldwide athletes gathered together to celebrate the success of the Beijing Games.
But a smack of sadness mingled with the jubilation when Rogge declared the closing of the Games and Beijing Mayor Guo Jinlong handed over the Olympic flag to Boris Johnson, mayor of London, host of the 2012 Games.
"I feel so sad I want to cry," said Wang Bin, a student from Beijing Language and Culture University and volunteer for the Games. "I really wish these 16 days could start all over again."
"Tonight, we come to the end of 16 glorious days which we will cherish forever," Rogge said in a speech at the closing gala. "Through these Games, the world learned more about China, and China learned more about the world."
The Beijing Games are a testimony of the fact that the world has its trust rested upon China, said Liu Qi, president of the Beijing Organizing Committee of the 29th Olympic Games . "The Chinese people, teeming with enthusiasm, have honored the commitments they solemnly made."
French handball player Daniel Narcisse was the last athlete to leave the Beijing Olympic competition venues Sunday afternoon, after his team beat their Icelandic opponents 28-23 to take the last of the total 302 gold medals on offer at the Beijing Games.
When all his teammates were gone, Narcisse lingered for a while on the field, reluctant to leave the National Indoor Stadium close to the Bird's Nest. The glory could be his last game.
Narcisse, who began playing at seven, encountered the Icelandic team in his debut in 2000. Back then neither Narcisse nor his team were as strong as they are today.
Now at 28, he will probably retire, after years of struggling with cartilage injuries, a world championship in 2001, and now a final Olympic title.
"You were true role models. You have shown us the unifying power of sport," Rogge said of the worldwide athletes to the Games. "The Olympic spirit lives in the warm embrace of competitors from nations in conflict. Keep that spirit alive when you return home."
The past 16 days has witnessed innumerable miracles, with legendary "Lightning" Bolt sweeping three gold medals on the track and Michael Phelps taking all his desired eight golds in the pool.
Their legends have exerted so much impact that, in the host nation alone, everyone has suddenly become interested in everything about Jamaica, the island country in the Caribbean Sea where Bolt is from.
Just type in Jamaica in Chinese at baidu.com, the leading Chinese search engine, and you will find nearly 10,000 matches, mostly about Bolt himself or his sport, sprint.
Meanwhile, American "superfish" Phelps has won so many hearts in China that avid fans are hooked to the Internet day in day out just to talk about him. Online chatrooms have been named "Phelps' posting bar" or simply "Phelpsians", the new coinage meaning unprecedented victory. Many insist the transliteration of his name, "Fei Er Pu Si" should be included in the Chinese dictionary.
Yet at the end of the Games, it is more than the stars and golds that are remembered.
Every Olympian is a hero, and the 10,000-odd athletes from 204 delegations will all be remembered for their painstaking to fulfill their own dreams, and to pursue the Olympic spirit "higher, swifter and stronger".
"We are reluctant to say goodbye," said an editorial to be published on the People's Daily on Monday. "For 16 days and 16 nights, we basked in the happiness and pride of the Olympiad... China's fulfillment of its centennial dream coincides with the world."
The Games have concluded, but the Olympic spirit is here to stay, thanks to the power, charm and perseverance demonstrated by worldwide Olympians.
When the time the Olympics open in London in four years and people look back at the Beijing Games, they will probably easily remember Bolt and Phelps.
We are not sure how many will remember Natalie du Toit, but the story of the South African amputee swimmer who completed the grueling 10-km open water race will certainly go down in Olympic history.
We are not sure whether former Chinese fencer Luan Jujie will compete again in London, at 54. But her comeback in Beijing is certainly a success story of testing one's own limits, though not necessarily winning a medal.
Our congratulations and thanks go to all the Olympians who have made the Beijing Games so much better, and left behind the sportsmanship and heroism that will inspire for many generations.
Source:Xinhua
Spectators enjoy big party at Beijing Olympics closing ceremony
Wearing a Qing-Dynasty style hat, Russian sportscaster Igor Shvetsov had a big smile on his face when he walked out of the National Stadium after the closing ceremony of the Beijing Olympics on Sunday.
He felt relaxed, partly for finishing his work, and partly because of the carnival-like ceremony.
Asked which part he liked most, the answer was "the entire one".
"It's so well-arranged that you cannot divide it up," said Shvetsov.
However, Marcela Saxlumd from Uruguay had her favorite part. She was deeply impressed by the "Memory Tower", on which the performers simulated the flame with their bodies after the Olympic flame went out.
"It's original, and I like it very much," she said.
Saxlumd said it implicated that the Olympic flame and spirit would be kept in people's mind forever.
"The Beijing Olympics is a great memory for me," she added.
Bob Bassett, a businessman from San Francisco, felt the same way.
Bassett came to Beijing with his friends, watched the men's soccer final and track and fields events, visited famous Laoshe Teahouse, listened to Peking Opera and tasted traditional Beijing food during his five-day trip.
He said the word "exceptional", which International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge tagged to the Beijing Olympics, was quite appropriate.
"It's exceptional. It's awesome," he said.
He enjoyed the closing ceremony as well.
"I like the beginning, the fireworks and the performance," said the 55-year-old, joking that if there weren't a lot of flag-raisings, it would be more interesting.
The closing ceremony was totally different from the opening, Bassett said, "It's like a big party."
The organizers had revealed that compared with the opening ceremony, the closing was more like a carnival for athletes and spectators.
It's true.
When the athletes walked into the Bird's Nest, they kissed the camera lens, took pictures and walked around to talk with each other. Many of them were attracted by Chinese basketball player Yao Ming, who stood tallest. One Canadian athlete sat on his teammate's shoulder and shook hands with the 2.26m Houston Rockets center.
Inspired by the joyous atmosphere, a shop assistant in the stadium moved his body to the rhythm of the music.
"It's like a festival. I enjoyed it," he said.
Source:Xinhua
He felt relaxed, partly for finishing his work, and partly because of the carnival-like ceremony.
Asked which part he liked most, the answer was "the entire one".
"It's so well-arranged that you cannot divide it up," said Shvetsov.
However, Marcela Saxlumd from Uruguay had her favorite part. She was deeply impressed by the "Memory Tower", on which the performers simulated the flame with their bodies after the Olympic flame went out.
"It's original, and I like it very much," she said.
Saxlumd said it implicated that the Olympic flame and spirit would be kept in people's mind forever.
"The Beijing Olympics is a great memory for me," she added.
Bob Bassett, a businessman from San Francisco, felt the same way.
Bassett came to Beijing with his friends, watched the men's soccer final and track and fields events, visited famous Laoshe Teahouse, listened to Peking Opera and tasted traditional Beijing food during his five-day trip.
He said the word "exceptional", which International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge tagged to the Beijing Olympics, was quite appropriate.
"It's exceptional. It's awesome," he said.
He enjoyed the closing ceremony as well.
"I like the beginning, the fireworks and the performance," said the 55-year-old, joking that if there weren't a lot of flag-raisings, it would be more interesting.
The closing ceremony was totally different from the opening, Bassett said, "It's like a big party."
The organizers had revealed that compared with the opening ceremony, the closing was more like a carnival for athletes and spectators.
It's true.
When the athletes walked into the Bird's Nest, they kissed the camera lens, took pictures and walked around to talk with each other. Many of them were attracted by Chinese basketball player Yao Ming, who stood tallest. One Canadian athlete sat on his teammate's shoulder and shook hands with the 2.26m Houston Rockets center.
Inspired by the joyous atmosphere, a shop assistant in the stadium moved his body to the rhythm of the music.
"It's like a festival. I enjoyed it," he said.
Source:Xinhua
Chinese people cheerful and proud for success of Beijing Olympic Games
The sacred flame of the Beijing Olympic Games was extinguished on Sunday night, leaving behind numerous touching moments, sports legends, and unprecedented passion for the Olympic Movement among 1.3 billion people.
While the spectators who just walked out of the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, were understandably too excited to go home and lingered around the iconic steel-latticed architecture for souvenir photos, people out of the Chinese capital, even in the quake zone of Sichuan and on the Tibetan plateau, were also thrown into wild ecstasy by the Games' perfect ending.
"The Chinese people have made great efforts and overcome many difficulties for the hosting of the Olympic Games. The success of the Beijing Games has enhanced the national cohesion. As Chinese, we all feel very very proud," said Cering, a policeman in Lhasa, capital of Tibet Autonomous Region.
The Olympic fervor has taken a grip on the highland city thousands of miles away from Beijing, as a large screen erected on the square in front of the Potala Palace is broadcasting the Games live every day.
The Tibetan officer said that over the past 16 days, he had watched Olympic competitions as many as possible, and had been happy to see Chinese athletes not only continue to dominate in their traditionally strong sports, such as table tennis, weight lifting, diving and gymnastics, but also make breakthroughs in previously weaker areas such as archery, trampoline and hockey.
China grabbed a total of 100 medals at the Beijing Games -- a happy coincidence as the country has dreamed for 100 years to be the Olympic host -- and overtook the United States to top the gold medal table with 51 golds.
China's central authorities on Sunday congratulated the Chinese athletes on their "achievement of a major historic breakthrough" and "significant contributions" to the Beijing Olympic Games.
"The motherland and people feel proud of you. We extend warm congratulations and heartfelt compliments to you, who have won immense glory for your country and people," read a congratulatory message jointly sent by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council, China's cabinet.
Sun Qingfeng, a retired sports teacher from central China's Henan Province, watched the Olympic men's marathon competition on Sunday morning. "This is probably the only chance in my life to watch the Olympic Games on the spot. My happiness is beyond language as I can witnessing China host the Olympic Games and also top the gold medal tally," said the 81-year-old, who had come to Beijing just for the Games.
"I think the Chinese people's century-old dream has really come true," he added.
But there were still regrets. "None of the 51 gold medals we won were churned out in track and field. So sports workers in our country must work harder to improve our athletics strength," said the retiree.
For 9-year-old Xu Xinzhu, a student in Beijing Jingshan Primary School, the Beijing Olympic Games were a starting point of her dream.
"I watched a handball match this morning. It was wonderful to feel the Olympic Games so close," said the girl. "I hope one day I could represent China at the Olympic Games, in equestrian maybe, because I like riding and often tried it in the suburbs."
The success of the Beijing Olympics has also cheered up survivors of the devastating May 12 earthquake in Sichuan, although many of them still live in temporary plank houses as the government found it would take at least two years to provide safe, permanent housing for every of the 10 million displaced people.
"I saw a kid from the quake zone walk beside Yao Ming to lead the Chinese athletes at the Games opening, which demonstrated that people were paying great attention to us. We shall rise from sorrow and rebuild our homeland," said Zhang Qiongying, a resident in Yingxiu Town of Sichuan, who now runs a tent shop for living and has been watching the Olympic Games on TV every day in her small plank house.
Zhang liked watching women's volleyball matches the most. Although the Chinese women's volleyball team only took a bronze at these Games, Zhang believed that volleyball matches are just like life -- sometimes you win and sometimes you lose.
"The most important thing is, you must take a positive attitude toward adversities," she concluded.
Mao Yunzhen, a resident of Bingli Village in Wenchuan County, the epicenter of the magnitude-8 tremor, said that the successful hosting of the Olympic Games showed China is becoming increasingly prosperous.
"If we can successfully host the Olympic Games today, we certainly can overcome any difficulty caused by the earthquake in the future," said Mao.
When the revelry in the Bird's Nest reached its climax on Sunday night, Chen Xiaohan, a sophomore student with the Communication University of China, stayed on duty at the eastern entrance of the Beijing Olympics Main Press Center .
One of the tens of thousands of volunteers serving the Games, Chen had been assigned to check the accreditation of everyone entering the MPC building.
"I have received strict training, including foreign languages, first aid and basic security knowledge. I have been working here about eight hours a day since July 8," she said.
Although it is just a 15-minute walk from the MPC to the Bird's Nest, Chen has only been in the stadium once. As the gatekeeper, she also missed the live broadcast of a touching scene at the closing ceremony: three new members of the Athletes' Commission of the International Olympic Committee presented flower bouquets to 12 representatives of the nearly 1.5 million Beijing Games volunteers.
"Sometimes I also felt sorry for missing lots of wonderful matches. But now that the Games have ended in great success, I think all my hard work and sacrifice have paid off."
Source:Xinhua
While the spectators who just walked out of the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, were understandably too excited to go home and lingered around the iconic steel-latticed architecture for souvenir photos, people out of the Chinese capital, even in the quake zone of Sichuan and on the Tibetan plateau, were also thrown into wild ecstasy by the Games' perfect ending.
"The Chinese people have made great efforts and overcome many difficulties for the hosting of the Olympic Games. The success of the Beijing Games has enhanced the national cohesion. As Chinese, we all feel very very proud," said Cering, a policeman in Lhasa, capital of Tibet Autonomous Region.
The Olympic fervor has taken a grip on the highland city thousands of miles away from Beijing, as a large screen erected on the square in front of the Potala Palace is broadcasting the Games live every day.
The Tibetan officer said that over the past 16 days, he had watched Olympic competitions as many as possible, and had been happy to see Chinese athletes not only continue to dominate in their traditionally strong sports, such as table tennis, weight lifting, diving and gymnastics, but also make breakthroughs in previously weaker areas such as archery, trampoline and hockey.
China grabbed a total of 100 medals at the Beijing Games -- a happy coincidence as the country has dreamed for 100 years to be the Olympic host -- and overtook the United States to top the gold medal table with 51 golds.
China's central authorities on Sunday congratulated the Chinese athletes on their "achievement of a major historic breakthrough" and "significant contributions" to the Beijing Olympic Games.
"The motherland and people feel proud of you. We extend warm congratulations and heartfelt compliments to you, who have won immense glory for your country and people," read a congratulatory message jointly sent by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council, China's cabinet.
Sun Qingfeng, a retired sports teacher from central China's Henan Province, watched the Olympic men's marathon competition on Sunday morning. "This is probably the only chance in my life to watch the Olympic Games on the spot. My happiness is beyond language as I can witnessing China host the Olympic Games and also top the gold medal tally," said the 81-year-old, who had come to Beijing just for the Games.
"I think the Chinese people's century-old dream has really come true," he added.
But there were still regrets. "None of the 51 gold medals we won were churned out in track and field. So sports workers in our country must work harder to improve our athletics strength," said the retiree.
For 9-year-old Xu Xinzhu, a student in Beijing Jingshan Primary School, the Beijing Olympic Games were a starting point of her dream.
"I watched a handball match this morning. It was wonderful to feel the Olympic Games so close," said the girl. "I hope one day I could represent China at the Olympic Games, in equestrian maybe, because I like riding and often tried it in the suburbs."
The success of the Beijing Olympics has also cheered up survivors of the devastating May 12 earthquake in Sichuan, although many of them still live in temporary plank houses as the government found it would take at least two years to provide safe, permanent housing for every of the 10 million displaced people.
"I saw a kid from the quake zone walk beside Yao Ming to lead the Chinese athletes at the Games opening, which demonstrated that people were paying great attention to us. We shall rise from sorrow and rebuild our homeland," said Zhang Qiongying, a resident in Yingxiu Town of Sichuan, who now runs a tent shop for living and has been watching the Olympic Games on TV every day in her small plank house.
Zhang liked watching women's volleyball matches the most. Although the Chinese women's volleyball team only took a bronze at these Games, Zhang believed that volleyball matches are just like life -- sometimes you win and sometimes you lose.
"The most important thing is, you must take a positive attitude toward adversities," she concluded.
Mao Yunzhen, a resident of Bingli Village in Wenchuan County, the epicenter of the magnitude-8 tremor, said that the successful hosting of the Olympic Games showed China is becoming increasingly prosperous.
"If we can successfully host the Olympic Games today, we certainly can overcome any difficulty caused by the earthquake in the future," said Mao.
When the revelry in the Bird's Nest reached its climax on Sunday night, Chen Xiaohan, a sophomore student with the Communication University of China, stayed on duty at the eastern entrance of the Beijing Olympics Main Press Center .
One of the tens of thousands of volunteers serving the Games, Chen had been assigned to check the accreditation of everyone entering the MPC building.
"I have received strict training, including foreign languages, first aid and basic security knowledge. I have been working here about eight hours a day since July 8," she said.
Although it is just a 15-minute walk from the MPC to the Bird's Nest, Chen has only been in the stadium once. As the gatekeeper, she also missed the live broadcast of a touching scene at the closing ceremony: three new members of the Athletes' Commission of the International Olympic Committee presented flower bouquets to 12 representatives of the nearly 1.5 million Beijing Games volunteers.
"Sometimes I also felt sorry for missing lots of wonderful matches. But now that the Games have ended in great success, I think all my hard work and sacrifice have paid off."
Source:Xinhua
Mayors of Beijing and London ascend podium for handover ceremony
Beijing Mayor Guo Jinlong and his London counterpart Boris Johnson ascended the podium in the National Stadium in north Beijing on Sunday night, for a brief ceremony marking the handover of the Olympic Games' host baton.
London Mayor Boris Johnson waves the Olympic flag at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony held in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 24, 2008.
Beijing Mayor Guo Jinlong waves the Olympic flag before handing over it to International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony held in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 24, 2008.
International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge just declared the Beijing Olympic Games closed.
Source: Xinhua
London Mayor Boris Johnson waves the Olympic flag at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony held in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 24, 2008.
Beijing Mayor Guo Jinlong waves the Olympic flag before handing over it to International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games closing ceremony held in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 24, 2008.
International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge just declared the Beijing Olympic Games closed.
Source: Xinhua
Full text of speech by IOC President at Beijing Olympics closing
IOC chief: Beijing Olympics "glorious days" to "cherish forever"
The following is the full text of the closing speech delivered by International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge at the closing ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games on Sunday night.
Dear Chinese friends,
Tonight, we come to the end of 16 glorious days which we will cherish forever.
Thank you to the people of China, to all the wonderful volunteers and to BOCOG!
Through these Games, the world learned more about China, and China learned more about the world. Athletes from 204 National Olympic Committees came to these dazzling venues and awed us with their talent.
New stars were born. Stars from past Games amazed us again. We shared their joys and their tears, and we marveled at their ability. We will long remember the achievements we witnessed here.
As we celebrate the success of these Games, let us altogether wish the best for the talented athletes who will soon participate in the Paralympic Games. They also inspire us.
To the athletes tonight: You were true role models. You have shown us the unifying power of sport. The Olympic spirit lives in the warm embrace of competitors from nations in conflict. Keep that spirit alive when you return home.
These were truly exceptional Games!
And now, in accordance with tradition, I declare the Games of the XXIX Olympiad closed, and I call upon the youth of the world to assemble four years from now in London to celebrate the Games of the XXX Olympiad.
Thank you!
Source: Xinhua
The following is the full text of the closing speech delivered by International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge at the closing ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games on Sunday night.
Dear Chinese friends,
Tonight, we come to the end of 16 glorious days which we will cherish forever.
Thank you to the people of China, to all the wonderful volunteers and to BOCOG!
Through these Games, the world learned more about China, and China learned more about the world. Athletes from 204 National Olympic Committees came to these dazzling venues and awed us with their talent.
New stars were born. Stars from past Games amazed us again. We shared their joys and their tears, and we marveled at their ability. We will long remember the achievements we witnessed here.
As we celebrate the success of these Games, let us altogether wish the best for the talented athletes who will soon participate in the Paralympic Games. They also inspire us.
To the athletes tonight: You were true role models. You have shown us the unifying power of sport. The Olympic spirit lives in the warm embrace of competitors from nations in conflict. Keep that spirit alive when you return home.
These were truly exceptional Games!
And now, in accordance with tradition, I declare the Games of the XXIX Olympiad closed, and I call upon the youth of the world to assemble four years from now in London to celebrate the Games of the XXX Olympiad.
Thank you!
Source: Xinhua
Facts and figures: Props employed at Beijing Olympics closing ceremony
The following is a list of the props employed at the closing ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games, staged in the National Stadium, or the Bird's Nest, in north Beijing on Sunday night.
DRUM
The drum has distinct symbolic meaning in traditional Chinese ceremonies. The drumbeat indicates the commencement of the ceremony, and calls people to get together to express common dreams and passion through grand ceremonial performances.
HEAVENLY DRUM
Resembling the traditional Chinese drum in shape, the 1.8-meter-thick red heavenly drum has a diameter of 4.5 meters, with golden lucky cloud pattern on it.
DRUM CART
With various drum styles of minority ethnic groups in China and typical ethnic patterns as the creative elements, the "drum cart" deconstructs and restructures the splendid traditional visual elements with modern shapes, creating a "multi-functional moving performance platform" with unique, changing and modern metallic style, which can perfectly combine with performance.
Each cart is about 10 meters long, 5 meters wide and 3.6 meters high.
SILVER BELL
Originating from the silver ornaments of minority ethnic groups in China, the silver bell symbolizes brightness and luck. Its glittering radiance like thousands of falling stars lights the dream in people's hearts, and its incessant sound like flowing water ignites the passion and fever of the celebrations.
Romantic silver bells and masculine drum formation form a sharp contrast but harmoniously echo with each other.
ROTATING POLE
With "seesaw," a typical competitive sports event of minority ethnic groups in China, as the creative element, the "rotating pole" creates magical and romantic visual effects based on the simplistic and modern concept of design.
The rotating pole cart is 8 meters long, 1.8 meters wide and 2 meters high, and the pole can swing to 6 meters high at most.
LIGHT WHEEL
With a diameter of 2.008 meters, the "light wheel" gives off romantic and pure fluorescent light, resembling the structure of the Bird's Nest. When it revolves in the stadium like a beautiful light circle, it shows the collision of time and space and the human spirit of constantly surpassing oneself and never giving up.
BOARDING LADDER TRUCK
The boarding ladder truck simulates the elevation equipment for boarding at the airport. The all-white truck weighing five tonnes is decorated with the symbol of this Olympic Games with elevation functions, the maximum height being 8 meters.
LUCKY CLOUD YARN STRIPS
There are a total of 16 lucky cloud yarn strips 3 meters wide with three specifications of length -- 43 meters , 48 meters and 53 meters -- in shades of reddish yellow and covered with smooth lucky cloud pattern.
Source: Xinhua
DRUM
The drum has distinct symbolic meaning in traditional Chinese ceremonies. The drumbeat indicates the commencement of the ceremony, and calls people to get together to express common dreams and passion through grand ceremonial performances.
HEAVENLY DRUM
Resembling the traditional Chinese drum in shape, the 1.8-meter-thick red heavenly drum has a diameter of 4.5 meters, with golden lucky cloud pattern on it.
DRUM CART
With various drum styles of minority ethnic groups in China and typical ethnic patterns as the creative elements, the "drum cart" deconstructs and restructures the splendid traditional visual elements with modern shapes, creating a "multi-functional moving performance platform" with unique, changing and modern metallic style, which can perfectly combine with performance.
Each cart is about 10 meters long, 5 meters wide and 3.6 meters high.
SILVER BELL
Originating from the silver ornaments of minority ethnic groups in China, the silver bell symbolizes brightness and luck. Its glittering radiance like thousands of falling stars lights the dream in people's hearts, and its incessant sound like flowing water ignites the passion and fever of the celebrations.
Romantic silver bells and masculine drum formation form a sharp contrast but harmoniously echo with each other.
ROTATING POLE
With "seesaw," a typical competitive sports event of minority ethnic groups in China, as the creative element, the "rotating pole" creates magical and romantic visual effects based on the simplistic and modern concept of design.
The rotating pole cart is 8 meters long, 1.8 meters wide and 2 meters high, and the pole can swing to 6 meters high at most.
LIGHT WHEEL
With a diameter of 2.008 meters, the "light wheel" gives off romantic and pure fluorescent light, resembling the structure of the Bird's Nest. When it revolves in the stadium like a beautiful light circle, it shows the collision of time and space and the human spirit of constantly surpassing oneself and never giving up.
BOARDING LADDER TRUCK
The boarding ladder truck simulates the elevation equipment for boarding at the airport. The all-white truck weighing five tonnes is decorated with the symbol of this Olympic Games with elevation functions, the maximum height being 8 meters.
LUCKY CLOUD YARN STRIPS
There are a total of 16 lucky cloud yarn strips 3 meters wide with three specifications of length -- 43 meters , 48 meters and 53 meters -- in shades of reddish yellow and covered with smooth lucky cloud pattern.
Source: Xinhua
Highlights of London handover performance at Beijing Olympics closing ceremony
The following are the highlights of the London 2012 Olympic Games handover performance at the closing ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games on Sunday night.
London 2012 presents a spectacular eight-minute cultural performance heralding the start of the four-year countdown to the next Olympic Games.
-- The dramatic transformation of the bus into a stage for the headline performers as the roof opens out into petal-shaped sections. The scene inside is predominantly green with lush grass and a hedge cut into the shape of the London skyline. This reflects the greenness of London and the UK -- from green fields, Royal Parks and country gardens to famous sports fields: the green lawn courts of Wimbledon, the new Wembley and Lord's Cricket Ground -- all of which are venues for the London 2012 Games.
The transformation of the famous London bus also provides a powerful example of the urban and practical being transformed into the dynamic and spectacular, symbolizing London's vision to use the power of the Games as a catalyst for change.
-- Appearance of three great Team GB cycling Olympians chasing the bus -- Chris Hoy, Victoria Pendleton and Shanaze Reade -- enable the people to celebrate the central role of athletes in the London Games, the unprecedented success of Team GB at the Beijing Games, and particularly the outstanding medal haul of the Team GB cyclists.
-- A handover of a treasured English football by a child of the world to a child of London that takes place by the bus -- a symbolic gesture reflecting the importance of friendship and young people to the Olympic Movement.
-- The dramatic appearance of singer Leona Lewis and guitarist Jimmy Page on high-rising elevators, emerging from within the bus. Jimmy performs one of the most famous guitar riffs in the world -- a riff which he wrote. Jimmy and Leona then create a unique duet playing the Led Zeppelin classic, "Whole Lotta Love."
-- The child of London gives the football to worldwide soccer icon David Beckham, who kicks the ball to athletes gathered in the stadium for the closing ceremony. This symbolizes the power of sport to unite the world and the importance of sport for young people, a central theme of the London 2012 Games.
Source: Xinhua
London 2012 presents a spectacular eight-minute cultural performance heralding the start of the four-year countdown to the next Olympic Games.
-- The dramatic transformation of the bus into a stage for the headline performers as the roof opens out into petal-shaped sections. The scene inside is predominantly green with lush grass and a hedge cut into the shape of the London skyline. This reflects the greenness of London and the UK -- from green fields, Royal Parks and country gardens to famous sports fields: the green lawn courts of Wimbledon, the new Wembley and Lord's Cricket Ground -- all of which are venues for the London 2012 Games.
The transformation of the famous London bus also provides a powerful example of the urban and practical being transformed into the dynamic and spectacular, symbolizing London's vision to use the power of the Games as a catalyst for change.
-- Appearance of three great Team GB cycling Olympians chasing the bus -- Chris Hoy, Victoria Pendleton and Shanaze Reade -- enable the people to celebrate the central role of athletes in the London Games, the unprecedented success of Team GB at the Beijing Games, and particularly the outstanding medal haul of the Team GB cyclists.
-- A handover of a treasured English football by a child of the world to a child of London that takes place by the bus -- a symbolic gesture reflecting the importance of friendship and young people to the Olympic Movement.
-- The dramatic appearance of singer Leona Lewis and guitarist Jimmy Page on high-rising elevators, emerging from within the bus. Jimmy performs one of the most famous guitar riffs in the world -- a riff which he wrote. Jimmy and Leona then create a unique duet playing the Led Zeppelin classic, "Whole Lotta Love."
-- The child of London gives the football to worldwide soccer icon David Beckham, who kicks the ball to athletes gathered in the stadium for the closing ceremony. This symbolizes the power of sport to unite the world and the importance of sport for young people, a central theme of the London 2012 Games.
Source: Xinhua
Overview of artistic performance at Beijing Olympics closing ceremony
The following is a preview of the artistic performance staged at the closing ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games on Sunday night.
The closing ceremony focuses on the theme of "harmony, friendship and joy," and consists of three chapters.
CHAPTER 1: REUNION
Exciting drumbeats summon people to gather under the Olympic flag; beautiful and melodious silver bells glistening with bright radiance light up the dream in people's hearts.
The beautiful melody arouses the upsurge of the joyful celebrations; the glittering bright light makes the joyful atmosphere reach the climax.
CHAPTER 2: MEMORY -- EXTINGUISHING THE OLYMPIC FLAME
This performance is the highlight of the whole ceremony. By means of brand new space of visual image and original form of body performance, the spectacular moments in the 16 days of Beijing Olympic Games are shown magically to the world audience.
When the holy flame of the Games is extinguished, a "holy Olympic flame burning forever" performance conveys to the whole world the Olympic spirit of man's pursuit of "Citius, Altius, Fortius." It lauds the spirit of the athletes who strive to excel during the Beijing Olympic Games, and also highlights the precious memories of the Games.
CHAPTER 3: CARNIVAL
At the moment of passionately celebrating the successful conclusion of the Beijing Games, famous Chinese and foreign artists take the stage in succession and sing together, sending the best wishes from Beijing with songs and building a bridge of friendship with dances. All athletes revel in the stadium and celebrate friendship.
Source: Xinhua
The closing ceremony focuses on the theme of "harmony, friendship and joy," and consists of three chapters.
CHAPTER 1: REUNION
Exciting drumbeats summon people to gather under the Olympic flag; beautiful and melodious silver bells glistening with bright radiance light up the dream in people's hearts.
The beautiful melody arouses the upsurge of the joyful celebrations; the glittering bright light makes the joyful atmosphere reach the climax.
CHAPTER 2: MEMORY -- EXTINGUISHING THE OLYMPIC FLAME
This performance is the highlight of the whole ceremony. By means of brand new space of visual image and original form of body performance, the spectacular moments in the 16 days of Beijing Olympic Games are shown magically to the world audience.
When the holy flame of the Games is extinguished, a "holy Olympic flame burning forever" performance conveys to the whole world the Olympic spirit of man's pursuit of "Citius, Altius, Fortius." It lauds the spirit of the athletes who strive to excel during the Beijing Olympic Games, and also highlights the precious memories of the Games.
CHAPTER 3: CARNIVAL
At the moment of passionately celebrating the successful conclusion of the Beijing Games, famous Chinese and foreign artists take the stage in succession and sing together, sending the best wishes from Beijing with songs and building a bridge of friendship with dances. All athletes revel in the stadium and celebrate friendship.
Source: Xinhua
List of British stars in London handover show at Beijing Olympics closing ceremony
Singer Lewis, guitarist Page perform at closing ceremony
The following is a list of special guests from the British team performing at the 2012 London handover at Sunday's closing ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games.
LEONA LEWIS
Since releasing her debut single "A Moment Like This" at the end of 2006, London-born Leona Lewis has achieved unparalleled success on the global stage. She has become a music phenomenon, selling millions of albums and making international chart history.
Blessed with a voice of power and restraint, capable of heart-stopping intensity and a playful light touch, the 23-year-old has topped the charts -- in the last year alone -- in over 20 countries, including the UK and the USA, with both her debut album "Spirit" and her massive smash hit single "Bleeding Love."
Leona has firmly established herself as a modern international pop icon and the future should prove to be an amazing journey for her as she continues to perform across the world and of course on behalf of London 2012.
JIMMY PAGE
James Patrick "Jimmy" Page OBE is a world-renowned guitarist and composer. Throughout the 1960s he was in demand as a session musician, leading eventually to his becoming a member of The Yardbirds. After various personnel changes, the band renamed themselves Led Zeppelin.
Over the next decade Led Zeppelin effectively redefined "rock" music, drawing on a wide range of influences to create a string of legendary albums which have, to date, sold over 300 million copies.
Through his work with Led Zeppelin, Jimmy Page became universally recognized as one of the greatest and most versatile guitarists of all time.
DAVID BECKHAM
David Beckham is one of Britain's most iconic athletes and decorated football players of all time. He is the fifth most capped England player in its history, captaining his country 58 times and surpassing a century of appearances in 2008.
Beckham's career began with Manchester United, making his debut in 1992 aged 17. During his time there, United won the Premier League title six times, the FA Cup twice, and the UEFA Champions League in 1999. In 2003, he left Manchester United to sign for Real Madrid, where he remained for four seasons. In 2007, Beckham moved to LA Galaxy.
Married to Victoria and father to three boys, Beckham's fame extends far beyond the pitch. Noted as a keen advocate of charitable work, he has supported UNICEF since his days at Manchester United, becoming a Goodwill Ambassador in 2005 with a special focus on UNICEF's Sports for Development program.
Born in the East End of London, Beckham has been a passionate supporter of London 2012, playing a key part in securing the Olympic Games for his home city.
Source: Xinhua
The following is a list of special guests from the British team performing at the 2012 London handover at Sunday's closing ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games.
LEONA LEWIS
Since releasing her debut single "A Moment Like This" at the end of 2006, London-born Leona Lewis has achieved unparalleled success on the global stage. She has become a music phenomenon, selling millions of albums and making international chart history.
Blessed with a voice of power and restraint, capable of heart-stopping intensity and a playful light touch, the 23-year-old has topped the charts -- in the last year alone -- in over 20 countries, including the UK and the USA, with both her debut album "Spirit" and her massive smash hit single "Bleeding Love."
Leona has firmly established herself as a modern international pop icon and the future should prove to be an amazing journey for her as she continues to perform across the world and of course on behalf of London 2012.
JIMMY PAGE
James Patrick "Jimmy" Page OBE is a world-renowned guitarist and composer. Throughout the 1960s he was in demand as a session musician, leading eventually to his becoming a member of The Yardbirds. After various personnel changes, the band renamed themselves Led Zeppelin.
Over the next decade Led Zeppelin effectively redefined "rock" music, drawing on a wide range of influences to create a string of legendary albums which have, to date, sold over 300 million copies.
Through his work with Led Zeppelin, Jimmy Page became universally recognized as one of the greatest and most versatile guitarists of all time.
DAVID BECKHAM
David Beckham is one of Britain's most iconic athletes and decorated football players of all time. He is the fifth most capped England player in its history, captaining his country 58 times and surpassing a century of appearances in 2008.
Beckham's career began with Manchester United, making his debut in 1992 aged 17. During his time there, United won the Premier League title six times, the FA Cup twice, and the UEFA Champions League in 1999. In 2003, he left Manchester United to sign for Real Madrid, where he remained for four seasons. In 2007, Beckham moved to LA Galaxy.
Married to Victoria and father to three boys, Beckham's fame extends far beyond the pitch. Noted as a keen advocate of charitable work, he has supported UNICEF since his days at Manchester United, becoming a Goodwill Ambassador in 2005 with a special focus on UNICEF's Sports for Development program.
Born in the East End of London, Beckham has been a passionate supporter of London 2012, playing a key part in securing the Olympic Games for his home city.
Source: Xinhua
Full text of speech by BOCOG president at Beijing Olympics closing ceremony
The following is the full text of the speech delivered by Liu Qi, president of the Beijing Organizing Committee of the 29th Olympic Games at the Games' closing ceremony on Sunday night.
Respected President Hu Jintao and Mrs Hu,
Respected IOC President Rogge and Mrs Rogge,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Dear friends,
The Games of the XXIX Olympiad is coming to a successful conclusion. At the moment the curtain is about to fall on the Beijing Olympic Games, please allow me, on behalf of BOCOG, to express my sincere gratitude to the IOC, IFs, NOCs, and all friends who have contributed to the success of this Olympic Games.
The past 16 days have witnessed superb athletic performances and sportsmanship. Athletes from 204 countries and regions have competed in the Games in the Olympic spirit. They have shown off their great perseverance, given their very best in a fair play environment, and achieved amazing results by breaking 38 world records and 85 Olympic records. Let us congratulate the athletes on their great achievements! Let us pay tribute to all those who have participated in the Games! Let us thank the media and all the staff who have worked so hard to make the Games such a great event!
"One World, One Dream". The world today is in need of mutual understanding, inclusiveness, cooperation and harmonious development. The Beijing Olympic Games is a testimony of the fact that the world has its trust rested upon China. Owing to the Games, people have been united as one Olympic family, regardless of their nationalities, ethnic origins and cultural backgrounds. Their understanding has been deepened and their friendship renewed. The Chinese people, teeming with enthusiasm, have honored the commitments they solemnly made. They have realized the concepts of "Green Olympics, High-tech Olympics and People's Olympics", leaving a huge and rich legacy both in culture and sport. The Beijing 2008 Olympic Games is a grand celebration of sport, a grand celebration of peace and a grand celebration of friendship
Dear friends,
The Olympic flame atop the National Stadium will soon extinguish, and yet the Chinese people's enthusiasm in embracing the world will be ablaze forever. At this moment, we hope you will bear in mind the vigour and vitality of Beijing and the co-host cities, bear in mind the Chinese people who are deeply faithful to the Olympic Movement, and bear in mind the smile and dedication of the volunteers. We sincerely wish the Olympic Movement a sustainable development.
Now, I have the honor of inviting Mr Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee, to speak.
Source: Xinhua
Respected President Hu Jintao and Mrs Hu,
Respected IOC President Rogge and Mrs Rogge,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Dear friends,
The Games of the XXIX Olympiad is coming to a successful conclusion. At the moment the curtain is about to fall on the Beijing Olympic Games, please allow me, on behalf of BOCOG, to express my sincere gratitude to the IOC, IFs, NOCs, and all friends who have contributed to the success of this Olympic Games.
The past 16 days have witnessed superb athletic performances and sportsmanship. Athletes from 204 countries and regions have competed in the Games in the Olympic spirit. They have shown off their great perseverance, given their very best in a fair play environment, and achieved amazing results by breaking 38 world records and 85 Olympic records. Let us congratulate the athletes on their great achievements! Let us pay tribute to all those who have participated in the Games! Let us thank the media and all the staff who have worked so hard to make the Games such a great event!
"One World, One Dream". The world today is in need of mutual understanding, inclusiveness, cooperation and harmonious development. The Beijing Olympic Games is a testimony of the fact that the world has its trust rested upon China. Owing to the Games, people have been united as one Olympic family, regardless of their nationalities, ethnic origins and cultural backgrounds. Their understanding has been deepened and their friendship renewed. The Chinese people, teeming with enthusiasm, have honored the commitments they solemnly made. They have realized the concepts of "Green Olympics, High-tech Olympics and People's Olympics", leaving a huge and rich legacy both in culture and sport. The Beijing 2008 Olympic Games is a grand celebration of sport, a grand celebration of peace and a grand celebration of friendship
Dear friends,
The Olympic flame atop the National Stadium will soon extinguish, and yet the Chinese people's enthusiasm in embracing the world will be ablaze forever. At this moment, we hope you will bear in mind the vigour and vitality of Beijing and the co-host cities, bear in mind the Chinese people who are deeply faithful to the Olympic Movement, and bear in mind the smile and dedication of the volunteers. We sincerely wish the Olympic Movement a sustainable development.
Now, I have the honor of inviting Mr Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee, to speak.
Source: Xinhua
Backgrounder: Lyrics of "The Flame of Love"
Following are the lyrics of "The Flame of Love" performed at the closing ceremony of Beijing Olympic Games on Sunday:
Looking at your face with the fragrance of jasmine flowers/
Opening up at the moment of emotional goodbye/
Tonight I will walk to your side/
I will fly with you/
With you soaring through the sky/
So much more that we can see/
Flying together high/
Looking at your face with the fragrance of jasmine flowers/
Opening up at the moment of emotional goodbye/
On this night I want to be with you/
I want to fly with no one but you/
Tonight I will fly with you, fly with you/
Tonight I will walk to your side and fly with you/
Beautiful/
Boundless/
Romance without limit, romance without limit/
Look below to the charm of the East/
Flying hearts between the sun and moon/
With my charming Oriental love/
Flying between the sun and moon/
Tonight I will light the fire in the heart with you/
Fire
Source: Xinhua
Looking at your face with the fragrance of jasmine flowers/
Opening up at the moment of emotional goodbye/
Tonight I will walk to your side/
I will fly with you/
With you soaring through the sky/
So much more that we can see/
Flying together high/
Looking at your face with the fragrance of jasmine flowers/
Opening up at the moment of emotional goodbye/
On this night I want to be with you/
I want to fly with no one but you/
Tonight I will fly with you, fly with you/
Tonight I will walk to your side and fly with you/
Beautiful/
Boundless/
Romance without limit, romance without limit/
Look below to the charm of the East/
Flying hearts between the sun and moon/
With my charming Oriental love/
Flying between the sun and moon/
Tonight I will light the fire in the heart with you/
Fire
Source: Xinhua
Backgrounder: Domingo and Song Zuying -- leading singers at Beijing Olympics closing
Following is the background of the two singers performing "The Flame of Love" at Sunday's closing ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games, provided by the media guide from the Beijing organizing committee.
Placido Domingo
Placido Domingo is a Spanish tenor. He was born in Madrid, Spain, in January 1941. In 1950, his family moved to Mexico where he studied piano and conducting, and then vocal music. In 1960, Domingo staged his first performance as a tenor in the opera Camille. In 1968, his performance in the opera Adriana Lecouvreur, staged in New York Metropolitan Opera, was a great success.
In 1974 and 1975, Domingo sang the role of Othello in Othello and the role of Aragon in Sicilian Vespers, two most difficult tenor roles in Verdi's operas. During the 1990s Domingo achieved huge success with his Three Tenors performance with Luciano Pavarotti and Jose Carreras. Domingo is known for his emotional songs, possessing emotional and dramatic power.
Song Zuying
Song Zuying, female, Miao nationality, one of the best young singers in China. She was born in Guzhang County of Hunan Province in August 1966. She studied in the Music and Dance Department of the Central University of Nationalities and was a graduate student majoring in ethnic vocal music in China Conservatory of Music. She was transferred to the Song and Dance Ensemble of the Navy Political Department of the Chinese People's Liberation Army in 1991. Song is a national A-level actress.
Song Zuying has won numerous gold prizes of various kinds of competition for vocal music and accompanied the delegations for artistic exchanges in Europe, Australia, the United States, Canada and southeast Asia.
Source: Xinhua
Placido Domingo
Placido Domingo is a Spanish tenor. He was born in Madrid, Spain, in January 1941. In 1950, his family moved to Mexico where he studied piano and conducting, and then vocal music. In 1960, Domingo staged his first performance as a tenor in the opera Camille. In 1968, his performance in the opera Adriana Lecouvreur, staged in New York Metropolitan Opera, was a great success.
In 1974 and 1975, Domingo sang the role of Othello in Othello and the role of Aragon in Sicilian Vespers, two most difficult tenor roles in Verdi's operas. During the 1990s Domingo achieved huge success with his Three Tenors performance with Luciano Pavarotti and Jose Carreras. Domingo is known for his emotional songs, possessing emotional and dramatic power.
Song Zuying
Song Zuying, female, Miao nationality, one of the best young singers in China. She was born in Guzhang County of Hunan Province in August 1966. She studied in the Music and Dance Department of the Central University of Nationalities and was a graduate student majoring in ethnic vocal music in China Conservatory of Music. She was transferred to the Song and Dance Ensemble of the Navy Political Department of the Chinese People's Liberation Army in 1991. Song is a national A-level actress.
Song Zuying has won numerous gold prizes of various kinds of competition for vocal music and accompanied the delegations for artistic exchanges in Europe, Australia, the United States, Canada and southeast Asia.
Source: Xinhua
Final medal table at Beijing Olympic Games on Sunday, August 24
Following is the final medal table after the conclusion of all the competitions at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games on Sunday, August 24 :
1 China 51 21 28 100
2 United States 36 38 36 110
3 Russia 23 21 28 72
4 Britain 19 13 15 47
5 Germany 16 10 15 41
6 Australia 14 15 17 46
7 South Korea 13 10 8 31
8 Japan 9 6 10 25
9 Italy 8 10 10 28
10 France 7 16 17 40
11 Ukraine 7 5 15 27
12 Netherlands 7 5 4 16
13 Jamaica 6 3 2 11
14 Spain 5 10 3 18
15 Kenya 5 5 4 14
16 Belarus 4 5 10 19
17 Romania 4 1 3 8
18 Ethiopia 4 1 2 7
19 Canada 3 9 6 18
20 Poland 3 6 1 10
21 Hungary 3 5 2 10
21 Norway 3 5 2 10
23 Brazil 3 4 8 15
24 Czech Republic 3 3 0 6
25 Slovakia 3 2 1 6
26 New Zealand 3 1 5 9
27 Georgia 3 0 3 6
28 Cuba 2 11 11 24
29 Kazakhstan 2 4 7 13
30 Denmark 2 2 3 7
31 Mongolia 2 2 0 4
31 Thailand 2 2 0 4
33 DPR Korea 2 1 3 6
34 Argentina 2 0 4 6
34 Switzerland 2 0 4 6
36 Mexico 2 0 1 3
37 Turkey 1 4 3 8
38 Zimbabwe 1 3 0 4
39 Azerbaijan 1 2 4 7
40 Uzbekistan 1 2 3 6
41 Slovenia 1 2 2 5
42 Bulgaria 1 1 3 5
42 Indonesia 1 1 3 5
44 Finland 1 1 2 4
45 Latvia 1 1 1 3
46 Belgium 1 1 0 2
46 Dominican Republic 1 1 0 2
46 Estonia 1 1 0 2
46 Portugal 1 1 0 2
50 India 1 0 2 3
51 Iran 1 0 1 2
52 Bahrain 1 0 0 1
52 Cameroon 1 0 0 1
52 Panama 1 0 0 1
52 Tunisia 1 0 0 1
56 Sweden 0 4 1 5
57 Croatia 0 2 3 5
57 Lithuania 0 2 3 5
59 Greece 0 2 2 4
60 Trinidad and Tobago 0 2 0 2
61 Nigeria 0 1 3 4
62 Austria 0 1 2 3
62 Ireland 0 1 2 3
62 Serbia 0 1 2 3
65 Algeria 0 1 1 2
65 Bahamas 0 1 1 2
65 Colombia 0 1 1 2
65 Kyrgyzstan 0 1 1 2
65 Morocco 0 1 1 2
65 Tajikistan 0 1 1 2
71 Chile 0 1 0 1
71 Ecuador 0 1 0 1
71 Iceland 0 1 0 1
71 Malaysia 0 1 0 1
71 South Africa 0 1 0 1
71 Singapore 0 1 0 1
71 Sudan 0 1 0 1
71 Vietnam 0 1 0 1
79 Armenia 0 0 6 6
80 Chinese Taipei 0 0 4 4
81 Afghanistan 0 0 1 1
81 Egypt 0 0 1 1
81 Israel 0 0 1 1
81 Moldova 0 0 1 1
81 Mauritius 0 0 1 1
81 Togo 0 0 1 1
81 Venezuela 0 0 1 1
Source: Xinhua
1 China 51 21 28 100
2 United States 36 38 36 110
3 Russia 23 21 28 72
4 Britain 19 13 15 47
5 Germany 16 10 15 41
6 Australia 14 15 17 46
7 South Korea 13 10 8 31
8 Japan 9 6 10 25
9 Italy 8 10 10 28
10 France 7 16 17 40
11 Ukraine 7 5 15 27
12 Netherlands 7 5 4 16
13 Jamaica 6 3 2 11
14 Spain 5 10 3 18
15 Kenya 5 5 4 14
16 Belarus 4 5 10 19
17 Romania 4 1 3 8
18 Ethiopia 4 1 2 7
19 Canada 3 9 6 18
20 Poland 3 6 1 10
21 Hungary 3 5 2 10
21 Norway 3 5 2 10
23 Brazil 3 4 8 15
24 Czech Republic 3 3 0 6
25 Slovakia 3 2 1 6
26 New Zealand 3 1 5 9
27 Georgia 3 0 3 6
28 Cuba 2 11 11 24
29 Kazakhstan 2 4 7 13
30 Denmark 2 2 3 7
31 Mongolia 2 2 0 4
31 Thailand 2 2 0 4
33 DPR Korea 2 1 3 6
34 Argentina 2 0 4 6
34 Switzerland 2 0 4 6
36 Mexico 2 0 1 3
37 Turkey 1 4 3 8
38 Zimbabwe 1 3 0 4
39 Azerbaijan 1 2 4 7
40 Uzbekistan 1 2 3 6
41 Slovenia 1 2 2 5
42 Bulgaria 1 1 3 5
42 Indonesia 1 1 3 5
44 Finland 1 1 2 4
45 Latvia 1 1 1 3
46 Belgium 1 1 0 2
46 Dominican Republic 1 1 0 2
46 Estonia 1 1 0 2
46 Portugal 1 1 0 2
50 India 1 0 2 3
51 Iran 1 0 1 2
52 Bahrain 1 0 0 1
52 Cameroon 1 0 0 1
52 Panama 1 0 0 1
52 Tunisia 1 0 0 1
56 Sweden 0 4 1 5
57 Croatia 0 2 3 5
57 Lithuania 0 2 3 5
59 Greece 0 2 2 4
60 Trinidad and Tobago 0 2 0 2
61 Nigeria 0 1 3 4
62 Austria 0 1 2 3
62 Ireland 0 1 2 3
62 Serbia 0 1 2 3
65 Algeria 0 1 1 2
65 Bahamas 0 1 1 2
65 Colombia 0 1 1 2
65 Kyrgyzstan 0 1 1 2
65 Morocco 0 1 1 2
65 Tajikistan 0 1 1 2
71 Chile 0 1 0 1
71 Ecuador 0 1 0 1
71 Iceland 0 1 0 1
71 Malaysia 0 1 0 1
71 South Africa 0 1 0 1
71 Singapore 0 1 0 1
71 Sudan 0 1 0 1
71 Vietnam 0 1 0 1
79 Armenia 0 0 6 6
80 Chinese Taipei 0 0 4 4
81 Afghanistan 0 0 1 1
81 Egypt 0 0 1 1
81 Israel 0 0 1 1
81 Moldova 0 0 1 1
81 Mauritius 0 0 1 1
81 Togo 0 0 1 1
81 Venezuela 0 0 1 1
Source: Xinhua
Flights delayed, roads flooded as downpours drench Shanghai
Torrential rain swept through Shanghai on Monday, causing flight delays and flooding more than 60 downtown roads.
Thunderstorms began at about 6 a.m. in downtown Shanghai, and local weather and flood offices issued numerous warnings of potential hazards, officials said.
The Tianli area of Xuhui District had the most rain, measured at 143 mm by 8 a.m., and average rain totals in seven other districts exceeded 50 mm.
The rain far exceeded the drainage capacity of 27 mm to 36 mm per hour, leading to flooding of more than 60 roads and more than 100 homes. Several flyovers were closed temporarily.
More than 600 drainage workers were dispatched to open up the drains, and most flooded roads were cleared of ponding.
An official with the Shanghai Airlines Co. said the downpours affected arriving and departing flights at its two airports -- Hongqiao and Pudong. At Hongqiao alone, a dozen flights were postponed or diverted.
The official added that with the storms persisting, it was very hard to predict when normal operations could resume.
A spokesman at the Shanghai Municipal Weather Observatory said the excessive rain was caused mainly by weather phenomena known as an upper trough and a near-land stationary front.
The remnants of Typhoon Nuri, which made landfall in south China's Guangdong Province late last Friday, also had an indirect role, said the spokesman.
Source: Xinhua
Thunderstorms began at about 6 a.m. in downtown Shanghai, and local weather and flood offices issued numerous warnings of potential hazards, officials said.
The Tianli area of Xuhui District had the most rain, measured at 143 mm by 8 a.m., and average rain totals in seven other districts exceeded 50 mm.
The rain far exceeded the drainage capacity of 27 mm to 36 mm per hour, leading to flooding of more than 60 roads and more than 100 homes. Several flyovers were closed temporarily.
More than 600 drainage workers were dispatched to open up the drains, and most flooded roads were cleared of ponding.
An official with the Shanghai Airlines Co. said the downpours affected arriving and departing flights at its two airports -- Hongqiao and Pudong. At Hongqiao alone, a dozen flights were postponed or diverted.
The official added that with the storms persisting, it was very hard to predict when normal operations could resume.
A spokesman at the Shanghai Municipal Weather Observatory said the excessive rain was caused mainly by weather phenomena known as an upper trough and a near-land stationary front.
The remnants of Typhoon Nuri, which made landfall in south China's Guangdong Province late last Friday, also had an indirect role, said the spokesman.
Source: Xinhua
SPEEDO LZR RACER heralds the trends in water sport
To mark the 80th birthday, Speedo, the world's forefront runner in water sport technology, launched the latest brand of LZR RACER suit, the fastest swimsuit in February. 2008, which has been developed in association with NASA and the Australian Institute of Sport.
The process of the suit development is very long and intense. By taking all the experiences from its previous suits, SPEEDO worked closely with sports experts, coaches and athletes to gather swimmers' feedbacks, which is crucial for the suit design and technological development.
The suit development commenced with the choice of fabric. R&D staff started to look at different fabrics and materials, and tested on whether the materials could work. Speedo has been around the world finding different body shapes and body sizes. A total of 408 elite athletes have been scanned to make sure their body measurement and tested the new suits in Otago University, New Zealand, where SPEEDO's flume is located. The design involves new fabrics that will reduce resistance in the water and provides greater coverage to the arms, legs and even full body.
The LZR RACER, made from ultra-thin, ultra-low and ultra-powerful panels, carries superior compression and gives no seam at all. Low drug panels are embedded into the base fabric to create a "Hydro Form Compression System", which will help compress swimmer's body into a more streamlined shape and enable them to cut through the water with more power and agility.
"When I hit the water, I feel like a rocket," noted Michael Phelps, holder of eight gold medals at the Beijing Olympic Games, who has been involved in the development, "I can't wait to race in the new suit, and this is going to take the sport of swimming to a new level."
The unique design of the latest LZR RACER specially provides swimmers with up to five percent more efficiency in terms of oxygen intake, which will ensure them to swim stronger and faster. There has been different swimming event around the world, and world records are broken. So far 23 world records now have been broken by the swimmers wearing the new LZR RACER.
The SPEEDO LZR RACER suit, which has been approved by FINA , made debut in the world at swimming events from March 2008. The athletes familiarise themselves with the suits before the Beijing Olympics.
Dubbed as the 80th birthday gift to the world of swimming, the LZR RACER has definitely helped the elite athletes achieve their ultimate performances in Beijing.
By People's Daily Online
The process of the suit development is very long and intense. By taking all the experiences from its previous suits, SPEEDO worked closely with sports experts, coaches and athletes to gather swimmers' feedbacks, which is crucial for the suit design and technological development.
The suit development commenced with the choice of fabric. R&D staff started to look at different fabrics and materials, and tested on whether the materials could work. Speedo has been around the world finding different body shapes and body sizes. A total of 408 elite athletes have been scanned to make sure their body measurement and tested the new suits in Otago University, New Zealand, where SPEEDO's flume is located. The design involves new fabrics that will reduce resistance in the water and provides greater coverage to the arms, legs and even full body.
The LZR RACER, made from ultra-thin, ultra-low and ultra-powerful panels, carries superior compression and gives no seam at all. Low drug panels are embedded into the base fabric to create a "Hydro Form Compression System", which will help compress swimmer's body into a more streamlined shape and enable them to cut through the water with more power and agility.
"When I hit the water, I feel like a rocket," noted Michael Phelps, holder of eight gold medals at the Beijing Olympic Games, who has been involved in the development, "I can't wait to race in the new suit, and this is going to take the sport of swimming to a new level."
The unique design of the latest LZR RACER specially provides swimmers with up to five percent more efficiency in terms of oxygen intake, which will ensure them to swim stronger and faster. There has been different swimming event around the world, and world records are broken. So far 23 world records now have been broken by the swimmers wearing the new LZR RACER.
The SPEEDO LZR RACER suit, which has been approved by FINA , made debut in the world at swimming events from March 2008. The athletes familiarise themselves with the suits before the Beijing Olympics.
Dubbed as the 80th birthday gift to the world of swimming, the LZR RACER has definitely helped the elite athletes achieve their ultimate performances in Beijing.
By People's Daily Online
Boxing roundup: China makes feat, traditional powers wane in Olympic stage
The Olympic boxing tournament witnessed the waning of traditional boxing powers such as Cuba and Russia, while many new faces came to the stage, including China and Mongolia, splitting the 11 golds on offer.
The Chinese boxing team has made an epoch, winning its first-ever boxing gold, and even two, together with one silver and one bronze, beating Russia to top the medal table.
China's initial goal was to obtain one gold, led by ace boxer light flyweight Zou Shiming. Yet, during the tournament, Zou won his five matches pretty easily except for one 1/8 final, crushing all five opponents to snatch the gold.
It's the first-ever Olympic boxing gold for China, also its 50th and second to last gold at this Olympics.
If Zou's winning is not much of a surprise, then dark horse light heavyweight boxer Zhang Xiaoping from China's Inner Mongolia certainly has brought to the audience much pleasant surprises.
Ranked 9th at last year's world championships, Zhang crushed world silver medalist Russian Artur Beterbiev with an amazing 8-2 at the 1/8 final, and defeated world bronze medalist Kazakh Yerkebulan Shynaliyev at the semifinal, making people looking at him with new eyes.
After conquering many strong-hands, it's not that big a surprise to see him washing out his Irish rival Kenny Egan 11-7 at the final. But his consecutive victories certainly lighted up people's eyes and made him the biggest dark horse of the tournament.
China's super heavyweight boxer Zhang Zhilei couldn't beat his powerful "enemy", world champion Italian Roberto Cammarelle in the final.
Being knocked down by Cammarelle in the last round, Zhang had to face his failure. Yet earning an Olympic silver medal is already a breakthrough for him.
Another Chinese boxer Hanati Silamu was defeated by Cuban Carlos Banteaux Suarez in the semifinal for a bronze medal.
With two golds, one silver and one bronze in hand, the Chinese team suddenly becomes the biggest winner, exceeding Russia's two golds and one bronze.
As a traditional power, Cuba suffered major blows, especially with eight of their boxers joining the last four but only bringing home four silvers and four bronzes, in no comparison with their five-gold feat at the Athens Olympic Games.
Cuba sent a young team to this Olympics since five of their world champions had turned professional. The young Cubans have excellent physical conditions and neat tactical skills, what they lack are pure experience in the international arena.
Russia, another boxing power, only managed to have a narrow lead with two golds and one bronze. Yet it wasn't be able to maintain their obvious advantage over other teams as before, with quite a few of their world medalists being kicked out even from the preliminaries. Russia grabbed three gold and three bronze boxing medals at the Athens Olympic Games.
The world of boxing sees a scatter of power and medals to different countries during this Olympics. Besides China and Russia, Italy, Mongolia, Thailand, Britain, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, and Dominica all harvested gold.
Source: Xinhua
The Chinese boxing team has made an epoch, winning its first-ever boxing gold, and even two, together with one silver and one bronze, beating Russia to top the medal table.
China's initial goal was to obtain one gold, led by ace boxer light flyweight Zou Shiming. Yet, during the tournament, Zou won his five matches pretty easily except for one 1/8 final, crushing all five opponents to snatch the gold.
It's the first-ever Olympic boxing gold for China, also its 50th and second to last gold at this Olympics.
If Zou's winning is not much of a surprise, then dark horse light heavyweight boxer Zhang Xiaoping from China's Inner Mongolia certainly has brought to the audience much pleasant surprises.
Ranked 9th at last year's world championships, Zhang crushed world silver medalist Russian Artur Beterbiev with an amazing 8-2 at the 1/8 final, and defeated world bronze medalist Kazakh Yerkebulan Shynaliyev at the semifinal, making people looking at him with new eyes.
After conquering many strong-hands, it's not that big a surprise to see him washing out his Irish rival Kenny Egan 11-7 at the final. But his consecutive victories certainly lighted up people's eyes and made him the biggest dark horse of the tournament.
China's super heavyweight boxer Zhang Zhilei couldn't beat his powerful "enemy", world champion Italian Roberto Cammarelle in the final.
Being knocked down by Cammarelle in the last round, Zhang had to face his failure. Yet earning an Olympic silver medal is already a breakthrough for him.
Another Chinese boxer Hanati Silamu was defeated by Cuban Carlos Banteaux Suarez in the semifinal for a bronze medal.
With two golds, one silver and one bronze in hand, the Chinese team suddenly becomes the biggest winner, exceeding Russia's two golds and one bronze.
As a traditional power, Cuba suffered major blows, especially with eight of their boxers joining the last four but only bringing home four silvers and four bronzes, in no comparison with their five-gold feat at the Athens Olympic Games.
Cuba sent a young team to this Olympics since five of their world champions had turned professional. The young Cubans have excellent physical conditions and neat tactical skills, what they lack are pure experience in the international arena.
Russia, another boxing power, only managed to have a narrow lead with two golds and one bronze. Yet it wasn't be able to maintain their obvious advantage over other teams as before, with quite a few of their world medalists being kicked out even from the preliminaries. Russia grabbed three gold and three bronze boxing medals at the Athens Olympic Games.
The world of boxing sees a scatter of power and medals to different countries during this Olympics. Besides China and Russia, Italy, Mongolia, Thailand, Britain, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, and Dominica all harvested gold.
Source: Xinhua
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