Spectacular end to beijing games
Updated
The 2008 Olympic Games have come to an end with a spectacular closing ceremony at Beijing's Birds Nest Stadium.
There were fireworks, drummers and hundreds of dancers wearing silver bells. After more than 17 days of sporting competition, China finished at the top of the medal tally, well ahead of its nearest rival, the United States. Chinese leader Hu Jintao says the Olympics improved co-operation between China and the international Olympic family, and enhanced a mutual understanding and friendship between the people of China and the rest of the world. The President of the International Olympic Committee, Jacques Rogge, says the Games were "truly exceptional".
Presenter: Karen Barlow
Speakers: Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee
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(Sound of fireworks.)
KAREN BARLOW: It was a celebration of the Games and China's success.
COMMENTATOR: It's party time in Beijing.
KAREN BARLOW: Subdued compared with the Opening Ceremony but nonetheless spectacular.
(Music from Closing Ceremony.)
KAREN BARLOW: Seven thousand performers surged around the field - some seemingly suspended from the sky - others ecstatically drumming.
(Music from Closing Ceremony.)
KAREN BARLOW: But the party really got started when the athletes from 204 nations surged en masse onto the field.
COMMENTATOR: And here they come - flooding onto the stadium floor. They run from the north-east and make their way out into the middle.
KAREN BARLOW: Then it was London's turn in the Olympic spotlight.
In a sight definitely not seen in China before, David Beckham kicked a soccer ball from the top of a double decker bus.
(Sound of crowd cheering.)
COMMENTATOR: London. The venue for the Games in 2012.
KAREN BARLOW: The taste of London did not have the Beijing grandeur - it was going for a sense of youth and vigour.
The display left some British fans concerned about the Games' prospects in four years time.
BRITISH MAN: Yeah, it has been an amazing experience. Don't know if we are going to be able to do something exactly the same but hopefully we will be able to enjoy it as much.
BRITISH WOMAN: I don't know if we are going to manage something on the same scale but I hope we can get the same kind of atmosphere. It was really great.
KAREN BARLOW: It was then time for the International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge to give his verdict on the 2008 Games. After broken promises on media freedom and human rights, were they the best Games ever?
JACQUES ROGGE: They were truly exceptional games.
KAREN BARLOW: So Sydney holds on to the "best games" honour bestowed in 2000.
It is now London's turn as Olympic host. In three years and nine months the flame will be lit again and sent on the path to the British capital.
