Beijing Olynpics: A fascinating event

Source: CCTV.com | 09-29-2008 12:00

Even though the medals have already been handed out the excitement and joy of the Games remain. As the exceptional performances by the most competitive athletes on the planet come to an end, our reporter Xu Zhaoqun takes a look at some of what's behind the fascination with the Beijing Olympics.

Usain Bolt from Jamaica stunned the world by winning two sprint golds and smashing both world records. He's the first runner to wear the double sprint crown since US legend Carl Lewis in 1984.

The Jamaican dynasty rolled on with two more golds in the women's sprint, and two more in the women's 400-meter hurdles and the 4-by -100 relay.

In the water, American Michael Phelps won hearts and medals when he completed his eight gold quest with seven world records.

Their talent and diligence enabled Phelps and Bolt to challenge once again the physical limits of human beings.

The Beijing Games has proved to be the place to set new records.

Liu Chunhong from China broke the world record three times in women's 69 kilogram weightlifting.

Russian pole vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva broke a world record for the twenty-fourth time.

But not all surprises were ones to cheer. The Americans' defeats in the sprints and relays are some of the most heart-breaking of the past few decades.

But their mis-steps prove once again that sports are attractive because no one wins all the time.

Wei Jizhong, Executive Board Member of Olympic Council of Asia said "The Games' most interesting points must be the competitions. After all the Olympic Games are a get-together of the best athletes in the world."

Besides the competition, the host city's enthusiasm and organization have provided much pleasure.

Almost no complaints were raised about service at the Olympic village.

The grand opening ceremony and the hospitality of the locals endowed the Games with much more than sports alone.

Wei Jizhong said "An Olympic Games with distinctive characteristics and high level. That means we have not only met the IOC's criteria, but also made the event even better than expected. The Beijing Games are unique because they bears clear Chinese characteristics. In fact many of the IOC criteria are based on the characteristics of each Olympiad."

While presenting the world a sports spectacular, China has had its own special joy in participation: topping the gold medal tally.

Editor:Xiong Qu