Beijing Games End With Closing Cermonies

The 2008 Summer Games came to a close with the Closing Ceremonies. The event featured more spectacular images from director Zhang Yimou.

The event ushered in the transition of the games from Beijing to London who will host the games in 2012.

With interest in China at an all-time high, many are thinking of visiting the nation for the first time. To learn about the many dynamic cities in this country, be sure to check out the Beyond Beijing: Exploring China's Cities DVD.

Men's U.S. Teams Win Medals in Final Day

Several U.S. Men's teams won medals in the final day of competition at the games. The Men's Basketball team reclaimed the gold medal after defeating Spain in a close game 118-107. Kobe Bryant scored an amazing four-point play late in the fourth quarter to keep the U.S. on top.

In other action, the U.S. Men's Water Polo team won their first Olympic in twenty years picking up the silver medal after losing to water-polo titans Hungary 14-10.

Finally, the Men's U.S. Volleyball won the Gold Medal defeating Brazil 4 sets to 1.

British Sailors Strike Gold in Sailing

The British sailing team had a very successful Olympic games in Sailing, capturing 6 of 11 medals possible, including four golds.

Sailing events were held in Qingdao, China which probably best known for the famous Tisng-Tao beer that had been made there since the turn of the 20th century.

To learn more about this fascinating city, be sure to check out the "Beyond Beijing: Exploring China's Cities" DVD. Click here to view a trailer.

Afghanistan Wins Country's First Gold Medal

In the men's taekwondo event, the bronze medal went to Afghanistan's Rohullah Nikpai who took down the world champion Juan Antonio Ramos of Spain in the men's under 58-kilogram division.

After winning the medal Nikpai responded, "After more than 30 years of war in Afghanistan, I think this medal is a very great message for peace and the future of Afghanistan."

Jamaica has the fastest man and women in the world.

Over the weekend, the Men's and Women's 100m dash was held with Jamaica ending up the big winner in both events. In the men's event, Usain Bolt broke away with a new world record of 9.69, easily winning his race. Walter Dix of the U.S. won the bronze, while early favorite Jason Gay failed to qualify for the finals.

On the women's side, it was a clean sweep for Jamaica as the top finisher was Shelly Ann-Fraser while her teammates Sherone Simpson and Kerron Stewart finished in a dead heat for the silver.

Phelps Wins Gold - Ties Spitz's Record

In dramatic fashion, Michael Phelps won the 100m Men's Butterfly last night by 1/100th of a second over Serbia's Milorad Cavic who led for most of the race. Phelps was in second until he made a "superman" like lunge at the end to touch the wall first.

Phelps now ties Mark Spitz's long standing record of winning seven gold medals in an single games. Phelps will try to break the record by racing in the medley relay later tonight.

U.S. Women Go 1-2 In Gymnastics All- Around

Although it may have been a mild surprise to causal observers of the sport, the fact that Nastia Liukin won gold in the Women's Gymnastics All-Around should not be to anyone. With very difficult routines throughout the night added with grace and subtle lines, Liukin edged out fellow American and current World Champion Shawn Johnson for the top spot.

Both Americans needed flawless floor exercise routines to claim a spot on the podium and overtake China's dynamo Yang Yilin who took Bronze.

Liukin now joins American Mary Lou Retton and Carly Patterson as the only U.S. Women to win the overall event.