Curtain goes down for the World in Olympics 2008

The greatest show on Earth is now over and Phew!! we can catch some sleep. Although Olympics were full of controversies.It lived upto expectations. It was one of the most expensive games of modern times which China leaving no minute deatils left and spending more than 42 billion dollars. Chinese government even defied rain gods with them firing anti rain chemicals to avoid rains in main events.But, the main winners were any army of one million volunteers always smiling and won many a hearts.

Shortly after China was awarded these Games seven years ago, its sports leaders devised Project 119, an initiative to help boost their country to the top of the Beijing medal standings. One-one-nine refers to the number of golds given out at the 2000 Games in the medal-rich sports of track and field, swimming, rowing, sailing and canoe/kayak. In Sydney, China won only one medal, total, in those sports. Although the host country just won four medals in those sports they manage to grap the most golds a total of 51 and second to U.S in total medal tally. Most by any country in a single olympic games after USSR and US. China simply dominated in some events such as diving.

The surprise came from underdogs UK which was placed fourth in the medal tally with 19 golds after many dissaponted performances in previous Olympics. This came at the right time as UK will be hosting the next olympics and what better time than this to show the world they are ready for the world. Even Canada hit the gas after a sluggish start in Beijing to produce one of the country's best performances at a Summer Olympiad.


There also many first's. It was the first most non Bycotted games with 204 countries participating in 35 Olympic disiples. Afghanistan,Bahrain,Mauritius,Sudan,Tajikistan and Togo won their first Olympic medals. Bahrain, Mongolia and Panama won their first gold medals. Serbia won its first medal as an independent NOC, having previously won medals as part of Yugoslavia. It was the First games with least number of Positive Doping tests. India One it's first individual gold medal. It was also the most watched event both online and on TV.

Phelps dominance in the swimming pool, Bolts lightening performance on the tracks, and Walsh and May's countineous winnng streak made it even more exciting.

It was a mix of China's rich and thousands of years of traditions and modern china. The Bird's nest and watercube have registered themselves in the most amazing modern structures in the world. I am simply impressed.