NEWS

Beijing Games Comes to a Close

By World Triathlon Admin | 25 Aug, 2008

The Beijing 2008 Olympic Games came to a close in another lavish and spectacular show at the Birds Nest stadium.  Heavenly drums, silver bell dancers, light wheels and flying men took center stage to greet guests for the closing celebration of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. A pyrotechnic display of numbers for the countdown from 29—to indicate the 29th Olympiad—ushered in the Closing Ceremony at 8:00 p.m. (UTC/GMT +8) with an audience of more than 90,000 present.

After the flags of all 204 participating nations marched into the stadium, the medallists for the mens marathon were presented with their medals.  IOC President Jacques Rogge made his closing remarks and called the Games truly exceptional. 

Then the traditional Olympic Flag Handover where Beijing Mayor Guo Jinlong hands the Olympic flag to Rogge, who then hands it to the Mayor of London Boris Johnson.  London, host city for the 2012 Olympic Games, then staged a short performance showcasing the city.  Highlighted with performances by Leona Lewis and Jimmy Page and an appearance by iconic football star David Beckham, London showed off the artistic creativity, energy, and passion for sport, art and culture that London and UK will bring to the 2012 Games.

The closing ceremonies were a perfect ending to a glorious 16 days of competition for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. Emma Snowsill (AUS) and Jan Frodeno (GER) will reign as the triathlon Olympic gold medallists for the next four years until the worlds best assemble in London for the Games of the XXX Olympiad.

Click here for a review of the womens race in Beijing

Click here for a review of the mens race in Beijing