2008 Summer Olympics

Multi-sport event in Beijing, China Beijing 2008 2008 Summer Paralympics and Beijing 2008 (video game) February 2021 April 2021 2008 Summer Olympics 2008 Summer Olympics logo.svg 185 Emblem of the 2008 Summer OlympicsThe official logo for the 2008 Summer Olympics, featuring a depiction of the Chinese pictogram "京", from the word Beijing (zh 北京) representing a dancing human figure, in reference to the host city. Below are the words "Beijing 2008" located above the Olympic rings. Beijing, China One World, One Dream(同一个世界 同一个梦想 no; Tóng yīge shìjìe tóng yīge mèngxiǎng) 204 10,899 (6,290 men, 4,609 women) 302 in 28 sports (42 disciplines) 8 August 2008 24 August 2008 President Hu JintaoFactsheet - Opening Ceremony of the Games of the Olympiad https://stillmed.olympic.org/Documents/Reference_documents_Factsheets/Opening_ceremony_of_the_Games_of_the_Olympiad.pdf live International Olympic Committee 9 October 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20160814215458/https://stillmed.olympic.org/Documents/Reference_documents_Factsheets/Opening_ceremony_of_the_Games_of_the_Olympiad.pdf 14 August 2016 22 December 2018 IOC President Jacques Rogge Li Ning Beijing National Stadium Athens 2004 London 2012 Torino 2006 Vancouver 2010 The 2008 Summer Olympics (2008年夏季奥运会 yes), officially the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (第二十九届夏季奥林匹克运动会 yes) and officially branded as Beijing 2008 (北京2008 yes), were an international multi-sport event held from 8 to 24 August 2008, in Beijing, China.Although the Games officially started on 8 August 2008, the first football matches were held on 6 August. A total of 10,942 athletes from 204 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) competed in 28 sports and 302 events, one event more than those scheduled for the 2004 Summer Olympics.http://www.olympic.org/beijing-2008-summer-olympics Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics Games International Olympic Committee 5 August 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20110623041355/http://www.olympic.org/beijing-2008-summer-olympics 23 June 2011 live This was the first time China had hosted the Olympic Games, and the third time the Summer Olympic Games had been held in East Asia, following the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, and the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, South Korea. These were also the second Summer Olympic Games to be held in a communist state, the first being the 1980 Summer Olympics in the Soviet Union (with venues in Russia, Ukraine, Byelorussia, and Estonia). The games were the first and only Olympics (both Summer and Winter) held in Beijing with spectators, as the 2022 Winter Games were held without spectators due to the COVID-19 pandemic. By hosting the 2022 Winter Olympics, Beijing became the first ever city to host both the Summer and Winter Games. Beijing was awarded the 2008 Games over four competitors on 13 July 2001, having won a majority of votes from members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) after two rounds of voting.https://www.nytimes.com/2001/07/14/sports/olympics-beijing-wins-bid-for-2008-olympic-games.html The New York Times OLYMPICS; Beijing Wins Bid for 2008 Olympic Games Jere Longman 14 July 2001 4 February 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20101124165513/http://nytimes.com/2001/07/14/sports/olympics-beijing-wins-bid-for-2008-olympic-games.html 24 November 2010 live The government of China actively promoted the 2008 Games and invested heavily in new sports venues and transportation infrastructure. 37 venues were used to host the events, including twelve constructed specifically for the 2008 Games. The equestrian events were held in Hong Kong, making these the third Olympics for which the events were held under the jurisdiction of two different NOCs.The other two instances were the 1956 Summer Olympics, where the equestrian events were held in Stockholm, Sweden, due to strict Australian quarantine rules, and the other Olympic events were held in Melbourne, Australia; and the 1920 Summer Olympics, which were hosted by Antwerp, Belgium, but the final two races of the 12 ft m on dinghy event in sailing took place in the Netherlands. The sailing events were contested in Qingdao, while the football events took place across several different cities. The official logo for the 2008 Games, titled "Dancing Beijing" (zh 舞动北京), created by Guo Chunning (zh 郭春宁), featured the Chinese character for capital (京 no, stylized into the shape of a human being) in reference to the host city. The 2008 Olympics were watched by 3.5 billion people worldwide, and featured the longest distance for an Olympic Torch relay.http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/longest-distance-for-an-olympic-torch-relay Longest distance for an Olympic torch relay Guinness World Records 10 June 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180612170947/http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/longest-distance-for-an-olympic-torch-relay 12 June 2018 live https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=conewsstory&tkr=62553Q%3AUS&sid=aT3QhOOTmtmQ https://web.archive.org/web/20090919155334/http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=conewsstory&tkr=62553Q%3AUS&sid=aT3QhOOTmtmQ 19 September 2009 Bloomberg Beijing Olympics Attracted Most Viewers, Nielsen Says Andy Fixmer 5 September 2008 4 February 2011 The 2008 Games also set numerous world and Olympic records, and were the most expensive Summer Olympics of all time, and the second most expensive overall, after the 2014 Winter Games in Sochi.Rabinovitch Simon Beijing Games to be costliest, but no debt legacy https://www.reuters.com/article/us-olympics-cost/beijing-games-to-be-costliest-but-no-debt-legacy-idUSPEK25823820080805 U.S. 10 June 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180612141518/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-olympics-cost/beijing-games-to-be-costliest-but-no-debt-legacy-idUSPEK25823820080805 12 June 2018 live #1: 2008 Beijing Games - $40 billion - pg.2 https://www.forbes.com/pictures/54f4e720da47a54de8245dda/1-2008-beijing-games---40/ Forbes en 10 June 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180612144218/https://www.forbes.com/pictures/54f4e720da47a54de8245dda/1-2008-beijing-games---40/ 12 June 2018 live The opening ceremony was lauded by spectators and numerous international presses as spectacular, spellbinding, and by many accounts, "the greatest ever in the history of Olympics".http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5ibNAUAq-kZNOy3LmO9HAI2cN-smg Press hails 'greatest ever' Olympic opening show Agence France-Presse 9 August 2008 9 August 2008 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20080812004040/http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5ibNAUAq-kZNOy3LmO9HAI2cN-smg 12 August 2008 World records set in Beijing Olympics http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/olympics/2008-08/24/content_6966682.htm chinadaily.com.cn 10 June 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180612141832/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/olympics/2008-08/24/content_6966682.htm 12 June 2018 live China to showcase art performance directed by Zhang Yimou at Pyeongchang Winter Olympics https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/china-to-showcase-art-performance-directed-by-zhang-yimou-at-pyeongchang-winter The Straits Times 27 January 2018 en 10 June 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180612144003/https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/china-to-showcase-art-performance-directed-by-zhang-yimou-at-pyeongchang-winter 12 June 2018 live An unprecedented 87 countries won at least one medal during the 2008 Games. Host nation China won the most gold medals (48), and became the seventh different team to top the Summer Olympics medal standings, winning a total of 100 medals overall. The United States placed second in the gold medal tally but won the highest number of medals overall (112). The third place in the gold and overall medal tally was achieved by Russia. This Olympic Games marked the return of the Summer Olympic Games to Asia after the 1988 Olympics in South Korea. It was the first Olympics for Serbia as a separate state since 1912 and the first for Montenegro, having separated from Serbia in 2006. It was also the first Olympics for Nepal as a republic, the Marshall Islands and Tuvalu. Mongolia and Panama each won their first Olympic gold medal. In addition, Afghanistan, Mauritius, Serbia, Sudan, Tajikistan and Togo won their first Olympic medals at these Games. North Korea, having symbolically marched with South Korea as one team at the opening ceremonies of the preceding three Games that it entered (2000 in Sydney, 2004 in Athens, and 2006 in Turin), paraded separately this time. Organisation Bid Bids for the 2008 Summer Olympics Under the direction of Liu Qi, Beijing was elected as the host city for the 2008 Summer Olympics on 13 July 2001, during the 112th IOC Session in Moscow, defeating bids from Toronto, Paris, Istanbul, and Osaka. Prior to the session, five other cities (Bangkok, Cairo, Havana, Kuala Lumpur, and Seville) had submitted bids to the IOC, but failed to make the short list chosen by the IOC Executive Committee in 2000. After the first round of voting, Beijing held a significant lead over the other four candidates. Osaka received only six votes and was eliminated. In the second round, Beijing was supported by a majority of voters, eliminating the need for subsequent rounds.http://www.olympic.org/uk/games/beijing/election_uk.asp Beijing 2008: Election International Olympic Committee 18 December 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20061205234608/http://olympic.org/uk/games/beijing/election_uk.asp 5 December 2006 dead Toronto's bid was its fifth loss since 1960 (failed bids for 1960, 1964, 1976 and 1996 Games, losing to Rome, Tokyo, Montreal and Atlanta).https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2015/07/24/toronto-has-made-5-attempts-to-host-the-olympics-could-the-sixth-be-the-winner.html Toronto has made 5 attempts to host the Olympics. Could the sixth be the winner? Peter Edwards Toronto Star 24 July 2015 7 September 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150910160435/http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2015/07/24/toronto-has-made-5-attempts-to-host-the-olympics-could-the-sixth-be-the-winner.html 10 September 2015 live When bidding for the Games, Beijing actually proposed different dates (25 July – 10 August for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad and 27 August – 7 September for the XIII Paralympic Games).2000 Beijing 2008 candidate city https://library.olympics.com/Default/doc/SYRACUSE/42147/beijing-2008-candidate-city-comite-pour-la-candidature-de-beijing-aux-jeux-olympiques-de-2008 2 Beijing Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Bid Committee 3, 331 International Olympic Committee 23 February 2026 Members of the IOC did not disclose their votes, but news reports speculated that broad international support led to China's selection, especially from developing nations that had received assistance from China to construct stadiums. The size of China, its increased enforcement of doping controls, and sympathy concerning its loss of the 2000 Summer Olympics to Sydney were all factors in the decision. Eight years earlier, Beijing had led every round of voting for the 2000 Summer Olympics before losing to Sydney by two votes in the final round.https://www.nytimes.com/1993/09/24/sports/olympics-2000-olympics-go-to-sydney-in-surprise-setback-for-china.html Olympics; 2000 Olympics Go to Sydney In Surprise Setback for China The New York Times 24 September 1993 5 June 2009 Riding, Alan https://web.archive.org/web/20101130021127/http://nytimes.com/1993/09/24/sports/olympics-2000-olympics-go-to-sydney-in-surprise-setback-for-china.html 30 November 2010 live Human rights concerns expressed by Amnesty International and politicians in both Europe and North America were considered by the delegates, according to IOC Executive Director François Carrard. Carrard and others suggested that the selection might lead to improvements in human rights in China. In addition, many IOC delegates who had formerly been athletes expressed concern about heat and air quality during the Games, considering the high levels of air pollution in Beijing. China outlined plans to address these environmental concerns in its bid application. + 2008 Summer Olympics bidding results City Country Round 1 2 Beijing China 44 56 Toronto Canada 20 22 Paris France 1974 15 18 Istanbul Turkey 17 9 Osaka Japan 6 — Costs thumb|Olympic Green, from above thumb|Beijing National Stadium, or "Bird's Nest" thumb|National Aquatics Center or "Water Cube" thumb|National Indoor Stadium thumb|Wukesong Indoor Stadium On 6 March 2009, the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games reported that total spending on the Games was "generally as much as that of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games", which was equivalent to about US$15 billion. They went on to claim that surplus revenues from the Games would exceed the original target of $16 million.Surplus of Beijing Olympic Games exceeds 16 million USD http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90776/90884/6608035.html People's Daily Online 6 March 2009 5 June 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20110624100914/http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90776/90884/6608035.html 24 June 2011 live Other reports, however, estimated the total costs from $40 to $44 billion, which would make the Games "far and away the most expensive ever".https://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-Olympics/idUSPEK25823820080805 Beijing Games to be costliest, but no debt legacy Reuters 5 August 2008 5 June 2009 Rabinovitch, Simon https://web.archive.org/web/20090714014915/http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-Olympics/idUSPEK25823820080805 14 July 2009 live http://english.pravda.ru/sports/games/06-08-2008/106003-beijing_olympics-0/ Beijing Olympics to cost China 44 billion dollars Pravda 8 August 2008 29 July 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120802050026/http://english.pravda.ru/sports/games/06-08-2008/106003-beijing_olympics-0/ 2 August 2012 livehttps://www.theguardian.com/sport/2008/jul/28/olympicgames2008.china1 The cost of the Beijing Olympics The Guardian London 28 July 2008 5 June 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20130902123910/http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2008/jul/28/olympicgames2008.china1 2 September 2013 live Its budget was later exceeded by the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, which suffered from major cost overruns; the 2014 Winter Olympics costed roughly US$50 billion in public funding.https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/did-the-winter-olympics-in-sochi-really-cost-50-billion-a-closer-look-at-that-figure/2014/02/10/a29e37b4-9260-11e3-b46a-5a3d0d2130da_story.html Washington Post Did the Winter Olympics in Sochi really cost $50 billion? A closer look at that figure. 10 February 2014 Paul Farhi The Oxford Olympics Study 2016 estimates the outturn cost of the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics at US$6.8 billion in 2015-dollars. This includes sports-related costs only, such as those incurred by the organizing committee or those incurred by the host city, country, and private investors to build structures required to host the Games. Indirect capital costs—those not directly related to staging the Games—are not included. The Beijing Olympics' cost of US$6.8 billion compares with costs of US$4.6 billion for Rio 2016 and US$15 billion for London 2012.2804554 The Oxford Olympics Study 2016: Cost and Cost Overrun at the Games Flyvbjerg Bent Stewart Allison Budzier Alexander Saïd Business School Working Papers (Oxford: University of Oxford) 2016 Oxford 18–20 10.2139/ssrn.2804554 1607.04484 1556-5068 Venues 2008 Summer Olympics venues Olympic Green Beijing National Stadium By May 2007 the construction of all 31 Beijing-based Olympic Games venues had begun.http://en.beijing2008.cn/01/32/article214073201.shtml https://web.archive.org/web/20080126161002/http://en.beijing2008.cn/01/32/article214073201.shtml 26 January 2008 All Beijing-based Olympic venues under construction Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games 11 May 2007 11 May 2007 The Chinese government renovated and constructed six venues outside Beijing, and constructed 59 training facilities. The largest structures built were the Beijing National Stadium, Beijing National Indoor Stadium, Beijing National Aquatics Center, Peking University Gymnasium, Olympic Green Convention Center, Olympic Green, and Beijing Wukesong Culture & Sports Center. Almost 85% of the construction budget for the six main venues was funded by $2.1 billion (RMB¥17.4 billion) in corporate bids and tenders. Investments were expected from corporations seeking ownership rights after the Olympics.Beijing Olympics funding exceeds $43 bn NDTV.com 4 August 2008 http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/showsports.aspx?id=SPOEN20080060086&ch=8/4/2008%209:09:00%20PM 10 August 2008 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090818060103/http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/showsports.aspx?id=SPOEN20080060086&ch=8%2F4%2F2008%209%3A09%3A00%20PM 18 August 2009 Some events were held outside Beijing, namely football in Qinhuangdao, Shanghai, Shenyang, and Tianjin; sailing in Qingdao; and, because of the "uncertainties of equine diseases and major difficulties in establishing a disease-free zone", the equestrian events were held in Hong Kong.Hong Kong Olympic Equestrian Venue Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad http://en.beijing2008.cn/venues/equ/index.shtml 10 August 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080809223815/http://en.beijing2008.cn/venues/equ/index.shtml 9 August 2008 dead Some stadiums were built on the former site of hutong neighbourhoods, including Qianmen Subdistrict.https://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/12/world/asia/12beijing.html Olympics Imperil Historic Beijing Neighborhood Yardley Jim Jim Yardley 12 July 2006 26 March 2023 New York Times The showpiece of the 2008 Summer Olympics was the Beijing National Stadium, nicknamed "The Bird's Nest" because of its nest-like skeletal structure. The stadium hosted both the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as the athletics competition.https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/supporters-protesters-greet-olympic-torch-s-arrival-in-beijing-1.701340 Supporters, protesters greet Olympic torch's arrival in Beijing CBC News 6 August 2009 20 June 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20081231233748/https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/supporters-protesters-greet-olympic-torch-s-arrival-in-beijing-1.701340 31 December 2008 live Construction of the venue began on 24 December 2003. The Guangdong Olympic Stadium was originally planned, constructed, and completed in 2001 to help host the Games, but a decision was made to construct a new stadium in Beijing.http://www.architectureweek.com/2002/0501/design_1-1.html China's Banner Stadium Libby, Brian 1 May 2002 Architecture Week 5 June 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090423073050/http://www.architectureweek.com/2002/0501/design_1-1.html 23 April 2009 dead In 2001, the city held a bidding process to select the best arena design. Several criteria were required of each design, including flexibility for post-Olympics use, a retractable roof, and low maintenance costs. Arthur Lubow Arthur Lubow The China Syndrome https://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/21/magazine/21bejing.html The New York Times 6 May 2006 5 June 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20121113083951/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/21/magazine/21bejing.html 13 November 2012 live The entry list was narrowed to thirteen final designs.http://www.bjghw.gov.cn/forNationalStadium/indexeng.asp Presentation of Competation 28 August 2008 Beijing Municipal Commission of Urban Planning https://web.archive.org/web/20080619150023/http://www.bjghw.gov.cn/forNationalStadium/indexeng.asp 19 June 2008 dead The bird's nest model submitted by architects Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron in collaboration with Li Xinggang of China Architecture Design and Research Group (CADG) was selected as the top design by both a professional panel and by a broader audience during a public exhibition. The selection of the design became official in April 2003. Construction of the stadium was a joint venture among the original designers, project architect Stefan Marbach, artist Ai Weiwei, and a group of CADG architects led by Li Xinggang. Its $423 million cost was funded by the state-owned corporate conglomerate CITIC and the Beijing State-Owned Assets Management Company. Pasternack Alex Clifford A. Pearson July 2008 National Stadium Architectural Record 92–9 http://archrecord.construction.com/projects/portfolio/archives/0807nationalstadium-1.asp 5 June 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20110612190219/http://archrecord.construction.com/projects/portfolio/archives/0807nationalstadium-1.asp 12 June 2011 live Transport thumb|A map of the Olympic venues in Beijing. Several expressways encircle the center of the city, providing for quick transportation around the city and between venues. To prepare for Olympic visitors, Beijing's transportation infrastructure was expanded. Beijing's airport underwent a major renovation with the addition of the new Terminal 3, designed by architect Norman Foster.http://www.architectureweek.com/2008/0730/design_1-1.html Beijing Terminal 3 by Foster Jo Baker Architecture Week 16 August 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080815025557/http://www.architectureweek.com/2008/0730/design_1-1.html 15 August 2008 dead Within the city itself, Beijing's subway was doubled in capacity and length, with the addition of seven lines and 80 stations to the previously existing four lines and 64 stations. Included in this expansion was a new link connecting to the city's airport. A fleet of thousands of buses, minibuses, and official cars transported spectators, athletes, and officials between venues.http://en.beijing2008.cn/05/25/article214012505.shtml https://web.archive.org/web/20080512000702/http://en.beijing2008.cn/05/25/article214012505.shtml 12 May 2008 38 public transit routes to the Olympic venues Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games 22 January 2007 29 January 2007http://www.ausmotive.com/2008/08/02/volkswagen-claims-green-medal-at-2008-olympic-games-in-beijing.html Volkswagen claims 'Green' medal at 2008 Olympic Games AUSmotive.com 2 August 2008 2 August 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080819044237/http://www.ausmotive.com/2008/08/02/volkswagen-claims-green-medal-at-2008-olympic-games-in-beijing.html 19 August 2008 live In an effort to improve air quality, the city placed restrictions on construction sites and gas stations and limited the use of commercial and passenger vehicles in Beijing.https://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/15/world/asia/15china.html Traffic Beijing Stops Construction for Olympics Andrew Jacobs 14 April 2008 The New York Times 14 April 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20130514130722/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/15/world/asia/15china.html 14 May 2013 live Andrew Jacobs (journalist) From 20 July through 20 September, passenger vehicle restrictions were placed on alternative days depending on the terminal digit of the car's license plate. It was anticipated that this measure would take 45% of Beijing's 3.3 million cars off the streets. The boosted public transport network was expected to absorb the demand created by these restrictions and the influx of visitors, which was estimated at more than 4 million additional passengers per day.http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/06/23/2282484.htm?site=olympics/2008 Beijing to launch Olympic 'odd-even' car ban Reuters 23 June 2008 ABC news 23 June 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080625095341/http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/06/23/2282484.htm?site=olympics%2F2008 25 June 2008 dead Marketing 2008 Summer Olympics marketing thumb|Inside Beijing National Stadium during the Games. Olympic cauldron in background. The 2008 Summer Olympics emblem was known as Dancing Beijing. The emblem combined a traditional Chinese red seal and a representation of the calligraphic character for "capital" (京, also the second character of Beijing's Chinese name) with athletic features. The open arms of the calligraphic word symbolized the invitation from China to the world to share in its culture. IOC president Jacques Rogge was rather pleased with the emblem, saying, "Your new emblem immediately conveys the awesome beauty and power of China which are embodied in your heritage and your people."http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200308/03/eng20030803_121618.shtml Rogge's Message for Beijing Olympics Emblem Unveiling People's Daily Online 3 August 2003 19 December 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20071011140945/http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/200308/03/eng20030803_121618.shtml 11 October 2007 live The official motto for the 2008 Olympics was "One World, One Dream" (同一个世界 同一个梦想 no).http://en.beijing2008.cn/75/66/article211996675.shtml https://web.archive.org/web/20080408065343/http://en.beijing2008.cn/75/66/article211996675.shtml 8 April 2008 'One World One Dream' selected as the Theme Slogan for Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games 25 December 2005 5 May 2007 It called upon the whole world to join in the Olympic spirit and build a better future for humanity, and was chosen from over 210,000 entries submitted from around the world.New Olympic slogan: One World, One Dream https://www.smh.com.au/news/Sport/New-Olympic-slogan-One-World-One-Dream/2005/06/27/1119724547278.html 27 April 2005 The Sydney Morning Herald 20 June 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20110623145939/http://www.smh.com.au/news/Sport/New-Olympic-slogan-One-World-One-Dream/2005/06/27/1119724547278.html 23 June 2011 live Following the announcement of the motto, the phrase was used by international advocates of Tibetan secession. Banners reading "One World, One Dream, Free Tibet" were unfurled from various structures around the globe in the lead up to the Beijing Olympics, such as from the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge and the Sydney Opera House in Australia.https://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/13/world/asia/13iht-letter.1.7095421.html Beijing Olympics: Let the politics begin Yardley Jim 13 August 2007 30 November 2012 The New York Times https://web.archive.org/web/20181204153042/https://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/13/world/asia/13iht-letter.1.7095421.html 4 December 2018 live The mascots of Beijing 2008 were the five Fuwa, each of which represented both a color of the Olympic rings and a symbol of Chinese culture. In 2006, the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games released pictograms of 35 Olympic disciplines (however, for some multidiscipline sports such as cycling, a single pictogram was released).http://en.beijing2008.cn/spirit/beijing2008/graphic/pictograms/ Pictograms of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games 2006 22 August 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080822030710/http://en.beijing2008.cn/spirit/beijing2008/graphic/pictograms/ 22 August 2008 dead http://en.beijing2008.cn/37/34/article212033437.shtml https://web.archive.org/web/20080308102735/http://en.beijing2008.cn/37/34/article212033437.shtml 8 March 2008 Pictograms of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games unveiled Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games 7 August 2006 12 July 2012 This set of sport icons was named the beauty of seal characters, because of each pictogram's likeness to Chinese seal script. Mascots Fuwa The mascots of the 2008 Summer Olympics were the Fuwa, created by Han Meilin (zh 韩美林). The mascots consisted of Beibei, a fish, Jingjing, a panda, Huanhuan, an Olympic flame, Yingying, a Tibetan antelope, and Nini, a sand martin kite. When their Chinese characters are combined, they form zh 北京欢迎你, or "Beijing Welcomes You". A year before the Games in 2007, the 100-episode The Olympic Adventures of Fuwa featuring the mascots, was released. Media coverage List of 2008 Summer Olympics broadcasters The 2008 Games were the first to be produced and broadcast entirely in high definition by the host broadcaster.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/3358070/The-first-high-definition-Olympics.html Telegraph The first high-definition Olympics 1 August 2008 London Claudine Beaumont 4 February 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110624120022/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/3358070/The-first-high-definition-Olympics.html 24 June 2011 live In comparison, American broadcaster NBC broadcast only half of the Turin 2006 Winter Olympics in HD.http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/99656-Beijing_Olympics_NBC_s_Multiplatform_Push.php Network goes to great lengths to pump Beijing Olympic Games action to myriad pipes. Broadcasting & Cable 4 August 2008 17 August 2008 Dickson Glen https://web.archive.org/web/20091214054812/http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/99656-Beijing_Olympics_NBC_s_Multiplatform_Push.php 14 December 2009 live http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/2008/2007-07/06/content_911825.htm Seeing clearly: Panasonic ushers in first HDTV Game China Daily 6 July 2007 24 March 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080617110906/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/2008/2007-07/06/content_911825.htm 17 June 2008 live In their bid for the Olympic Games in 2001, Beijing stated to the Olympic Evaluation Commission that there would be "no restrictions on media reporting and movement of journalists up to and including the Olympic Games."Report of the IOC Evaluation Commission for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad in 2008 International Olympic Committee http://multimedia.olympic.org/pdf/en_report_299.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20031229012633/http://multimedia.olympic.org/pdf/en_report_299.pdf 29 December 2003 10 June 2009 dead However, some media outlets claimed that organizers ultimately failed to live up to this commitment.The New York Times, for instance, said that "those promises have been contradicted by strict visa rules, lengthy application processes and worries about censorship."Stelter Brian Networks Fight Shorter Olympic Leash https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/21/sports/olympics/21nbc.html The New York Times 21 July 2008 21 July 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20110813155823/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/21/sports/olympics/21nbc.html 13 August 2011 live According to Nielsen Media Research, 4.7 billion viewers worldwide tuned in to some of the television coverage, one-fifth larger than the 3.9 billion who watched the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. American broadcaster NBC produced only two hours of online streaming video for the 2006 Winter Games but produced approximately 2,200 hours of coverage for the 2008 Summer Games. CNN reported that, for the first time, "live online video rights in some markets for the Olympics have been separately negotiated, not part of the overall 'broadcast rights.'" The new media of the digital economy was said to be growing "nine times faster than the rest of the advertising market."http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/07/09/oly.media/index.html Olympics enter the '2.0' era 25 August 2008 10 July 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080908023843/http://www3.cnn.com/2008/TECH/07/09/oly.media/index.html 8 September 2008 live CNN thumb|US President George W. Bush at the 2008 Summer Olympics The international European Broadcasting Union (EBU) provided live coverage and highlights of all arenas only for certain territories on their website, Eurovisionsports.tv.http://www.eurovisionsports.tv/olympics/geoerror/geoerror.html Beijing LIVE 25 August 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080822214328/http://www.eurovisionsports.tv/olympics/geoerror/geoerror.html 22 August 2008 dead Many national broadcasters likewise restricted the viewing of online events to their domestic audiences.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/olympics/cycling/7552544.stm Delighted Cooke gets gold medal 10 August 2008 25 August 2008 BBC News https://web.archive.org/web/20080815105838/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/olympics/cycling/7552544.stm 15 August 2008 live The General National Copyright Administration of China announced that "individual (sic) and websites will face fines as high as 100,000 yuan for uploading recordings of Olympic Games video to the internet",Wallace Lydia http://www.danwei.org/2008_beijing_olympic_games/china_copywrites_the_olympics.php 100,000 yuan fine for uploading Olympic videos? Danwei.org 29 November 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20110611063147/http://www.danwei.org/2008_beijing_olympic_games/china_copywrites_the_olympics.php 11 June 2011 live part of an extensive campaign to protect the pertinent intellectual property rights.http://olympics.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/06/16/for-olympics-china-ramps-up-copyright-infringement-campaign/ https://web.archive.org/web/20080623054529/http://olympics.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/06/16/for-olympics-china-ramps-up-copyright-infringement-campaign/ 23 June 2008 The New York Times For Olympics, China Ramps Up Copyright Infringement Campaign – Rings Blog 4 February 2011 Campbell Robertson live http://news.xinhuanet.com/newmedia/2008-06/13/content_8359170.htm zh:我国启动打击网络侵权盗版专项行动 为期四个月 News.xinhuanet.com 29 November 2010 zh https://web.archive.org/web/20110821182530/http://news.xinhuanet.com/newmedia/2008-06/13/content_8359170.htm 21 August 2011 dead The Olympic Committee also set up a separate YouTube channel at Beijing 2008.https://www.youtube.com/beijing2008#p/a/u/0/uuU-AXa3tYo beijing2008 YouTube 12 October 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20130630105117/http://www.youtube.com/beijing2008#p/a/u/0/uuU-AXa3tYo 30 June 2013 live The games were the first to have global digital coverage and 153 million people watched live broadcasts online.176 Theme song The theme song of the 2008 Summer Olympics was "You and Me", which was composed by Chen Qigang, the musical director of the opening ceremony. It was performed during the opening ceremony by Chinese singer Liu Huan and British singer Sarah Brightman.8 August 2008 刘欢莎拉布莱曼演唱奥运会主题歌《我和你》 http://2008.163.com/08/0808/21/4IRR3I6U00742QDT.html https://web.archive.org/web/20160304221534/http://2008.163.com/08/0808/21/4IRR3I6U00742QDT.html 4 March 2016 9 September 2024 The 2008 Olympic Reporthttps://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1044498/beijing-ceremony-introduces-olympic-theme-song Beijing Ceremony Introduces Olympic Theme Song 8 August 2008 Billboard 14 December 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151208234251/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1044498/beijing-ceremony-introduces-olympic-theme-song 8 December 2015 live The theme song was originally going to be a song called "So much love, so far away (Tanto amor, tan lejos)" written by Cuban singer-songwriter Jon Secada and Peruvian singer-songwriter Gian Marco under production from Cuban producer Emilio Estefan Jr. from EMI.El Sonido De Miami El Nuevo Herald https://www.newspapers.com/image/670743480/?terms=%22gian%20marco%22&match=1 subscription 29 7 August 2001 Podium The podiums used during the 2008 Summer Olympics featured a design strongly influenced by Chinese cultural identity, incorporating the "Lucky Cloud" motif as their central graphical element. In Chinese mythology, lucky clouds are associated with blessings and harmony, and are traditionally depicted alongside deities.https://www.olympics.com/en/news/podiums-from-the-past-the-history-of-the-three-steps-every-athlete-dreams-about Podiums from the past: the history of the three steps every athlete dreams about Olympics.com International Olympic Committee 27 January 2024 18 May 2026 en thumb|276x276px|The 2008 Summer Olympics gymnastics men's individual all-around podium The podiums were produced in a square format and incorporated a traditional Chinese ribbon pattern, which organizers stated symbolized the ability of the Olympic Games to connect people around the world through sport. Torch relay thumb|2008 Olympic Torch in the Olympic Museum. 2008 Summer Olympics torch relay 2008 Summer Olympics torch relay route The design of the 2008 Olympic Torch was based on traditional scrolls and used a traditional Chinese design known as the "Propitious Clouds" (祥云). The torch was designed to remain lit in 65 km/h (40 mph) winds, and in rain of up to 50 mm (2 in) per hour.http://torchrelay.beijing2008.cn/en/news/headlines/image07/s214233067/n214233090.shtml The Image and Look – The Torch Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games 16 January 2008 24 October 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20130514013509/http://torchrelay.beijing2008.cn/en/news/headlines/image07/s214233067/n214233090.shtml 14 May 2013 The relay, with the theme "Journey of Harmony", was met with protests and demonstrations by pro-Tibet supporters throughout its journey. It lasted 130 days and carried the torch 137000 km mi on—the longest distance of any Olympic torch relay since the tradition began at the 1936 Berlin Games.26 April 2007 Beijing 2008: BOCOG Announces Olympic Torch Relay Route http://www.olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=2147 https://web.archive.org/web/20070429032528/http://www.olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=2147 29 April 2007 International Olympic Committee 26 April 2007 live https://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/09/world/09torch.html Officials Expect Olympic Torch to Continue on Route The New York Times Graham Bowley John Sullivan 9 April 2008 4 February 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20181004104046/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/09/world/09torch.html 4 October 2018 live The torch relay was described as a "public relations disaster" for China by USA Today,https://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2008-04-29-torch-vietnam_N.htm Vietnamese cheer torch, last int'l stop 29 April 2008 20 June 2009 USA Today https://web.archive.org/web/20090707031454/http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2008-04-29-torch-vietnam_N.htm 7 July 2009 live with protests against China's human rights record, particularly focused on Tibet. The IOC subsequently barred future Olympics organizers from staging international torch relays.Zinser Lynn I.O.C. Bars International Torch Relays The New York Times 27 March 2009 https://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/28/sports/othersports/28torch.html 28 March 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20130514135658/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/28/sports/othersports/28torch.html 14 May 2013 live The relay began 24 March 2008, in Olympia, Greece. From there, it traveled across Greece to Panathinaiko Stadium in Athens, and then to Beijing, arriving on 31 March. From Beijing, the torch followed a route passing through every continent except Antarctica. The torch visited cities on the Silk Road, symbolizing ancient links between China and the rest of the world. A total of 21,880 torchbearers were selected from around the world by various organizations and entities.http://torchrelay.beijing2008.cn/en/news/headlines/n214042288.shtml https://web.archive.org/web/20080308103032/http://torchrelay.beijing2008.cn/en/news/headlines/n214042288.shtml 8 March 2008 Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay Planned Route and Torch Design unveiled Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games 26 April 2007 26 April 2007 The international portion of the relay was problematic. The month-long world tour encountered wide-scale anti-Chinese protests. After trouble in London involving attempts by protesters to put out the flame, the torch was extinguished in Paris the following day.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1584227/Olympic-torch-extinguished-three-times.html Olympic torch extinguished three times 20 June 2009 The Daily Telegraph London Samuel Henry 7 April 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20090318064100/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1584227/Olympic-torch-extinguished-three-times.html 18 March 2009 live The American leg in San Francisco on 9 April was altered without prior warning to avoid such disturbances, although there were still demonstrations along the original route.https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7339380.stm Confusion strikes US torch relay 9 April 2008 BBC News 4 February 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110712212724/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7339380.stm 12 July 2011 live The relay was further delayed and simplified after the 2008 Sichuan earthquake hit western China.https://www.espn.com/olympics/news/story?id=3445844 ESPN Organizers not saying why torch's arrival in Tibet delayed 16 June 2006 20 June 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20121106194508/http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/news/story?id=3445844 6 November 2012 live left|thumb|Route of the 2008 Olympic Torch Relay The flame was carried to the top of Mount Everest on a 108 km mi on long "highway" scaling the Tibetan side of the mountain, built especially for the relay. The $19.7 million blacktop project spanned from Tingri County of Xigazê Prefecture to the Everest Base Camp.http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/007200706200340.htm https://web.archive.org/web/20080111221824/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/007200706200340.htm 11 January 2008 China to build highway on Mt Everest for 2008 Olympics 20 June 2007 25 June 2007 The Hindu India In March 2008, China banned mountaineers from climbing its side of Mount Everest, and later persuaded the Nepalese government to close their side as well, officially citing environmental concerns.https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/climbers-banned-from-everest-as-china-seeks-to-stop-protests-on-summit-796782.html Climbers banned from Everest as China seeks to stop protests on summit 17 March 2008 23 March 2008 The Independent London Michael McCarthy Jack Geldard https://web.archive.org/web/20080405092649/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/climbers-banned-from-everest-as-china-seeks-to-stop-protests-on-summit-796782.html 5 April 2008 dead It also reflected concerns by the Chinese government that Tibet activists might try to disrupt its plans to carry the Olympic torch up the world's tallest peak.http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/04/20/nepal.torch.oly/index.html Nepal: Everest pro-Tibet protesters may be shot CNN 20 April 2008 20 June 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20100307231244/http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/04/20/nepal.torch.oly/index.html 7 March 2010 live The originally proposed route would have taken the torch through Taipei after leaving Vietnam and before heading for Hong Kong. However, the government of Taiwan (then led by the independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party) objected to this proposal, claiming that this route would make the portion of the relay in Taiwan appear to be part of the torch's domestic journey through China, rather than a leg on the international route.http://taiwanjournal.nat.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=24170&CtNode=122 Taiwan rejects 'domestic' Olympic torch route Taiwan Journal 4 May 2007 15 August 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20080411165900/http://taiwanjournal.nat.gov.tw/ct.asp?xItem=24170&CtNode=122 11 April 2008 This dispute, as well as Chinese demands that the flag and the national anthem of the Republic of China be banned along the route led the government of Taiwan to reject the proposal that it be part of the relay route. The two sides of the Taiwan Strait subsequently blamed each other for injecting politics into the event.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7005984.stm Olympic torch will bypass Taiwan BBC News 21 September 2007 20 June 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090930022455/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7005984.stm 30 September 2009 live The Games Chronological summary of the 2008 Summer Olympics Participating National Olympic Committees thumb|center|upright=2.8|Participating nationsBlue = Participating for the first time. Green = Have previously participated. Yellow square is host city (Beijing) thumb|center|upright=2.8|Team sizes All but one of the 205 recognized National Olympic Committees (NOCs) that existed 2008 y participated in the 2008 Summer Olympics, the exception being Brunei.http://www.olympic.org/uk/organisation/noc/index_uk.asp National Olympic Committees International Olympic Committee 11 March 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20181225174713/https://www.olympic.org/uk/organisation/noc/index_uk.asp%20 25 December 2018 live Three countries participated in the Olympic Games for their first time: the Marshall Islands, Montenegro and Tuvalu.Beijing 2008 Olympic Games International Olympic Committee http://www.olympic.org/uk/games/past/index_uk.asp?OLGT=1&OLGY=2008 6 June 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090526073745/http://www.olympic.org/uk/games/past/index_uk.asp?OLGT=1&OLGY=2008 26 May 2009 live While not a full member recognized by the IOC and thus not allowed to compete formally in the Olympics, the Macau Sports and Olympic Committee sent a delegation to participate in the Wushu Tournament Beijing 2008, being the only unrecognized National Olympic Committee to have taken part in the 2008 Summer Olympics. It also coordinated efforts with the Chinese Olympic Committee to organize the torch relay through Macau. The Marshall Islands and Tuvalu gained National Olympic Committee status in 2006 and 2007 respectively, and 2008 was the first Games in which they were eligible to participate.Robert Meets IOC President http://www.oceaniasport.com/tuvalu/ https://web.archive.org/web/20051018032511/http://www.oceaniasport.com/tuvalu/ 18 October 2005 ONOC 2 April 2005 17 December 2006 dead http://www.olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=2237 https://web.archive.org/web/20071112130845/http://www.olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=2237 12 November 2007 Two new National Olympic Committees on board! International Olympic Committee 6 July 2007 8 July 2007 dead The states of Serbia and Montenegro, which participated at the 2004 Games jointly as Serbia and Montenegro, competed separately for the first time since Serbia last participated in 1912. Montenegro made its debut appearance, as the Montenegrin Olympic Committee was accepted as a new National Olympic Committee in 2007. Neighboring Kosovo, however, did not participate. After the declaration of independence in Kosovo, the IOC specified requirements that Kosovo needs to meet before being recognized by the IOC; most notably, it has to be recognized as independent by the United Nations.https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory?id=4306795 https://web.archive.org/web/20090205124500/https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory?id=4306795 5 February 2009 IOC: Kosovo Olympic Team 'Unlikely' Associated Press 18 February 2008 20 February 2008 live 2008 United States Olympic Team Entered Into XXVIV Olympic Games in Beijing, China United States Olympic Committee 24 July 2008 http://teamusa.org/news/article/2744 https://web.archive.org/web/20090503065123/http://teamusa.org/news/article/2744 3 May 2009 15 June 2009 dead Host China announces biggest-ever Olympic team of 639 athletes Xinhua News 25 July 2008 http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-07/25/content_8767561.htm 28 November 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20080907021534/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-07/25/content_8767561.htm 7 September 2008 dead However, it has since been recognised by the IOC in 2014 without fulfilling these criteria and made its debut in the 2016 games.https://olympics.com/ioc/news/ioc-grants-provisional-recognition-to-kosovo-olympic-committee IOC grants provisional recognition to Kosovo Olympic Committee 13 July 2021 More than 100 sovereigns, heads of state and heads of government as well as 170 Ministers of Sport attended the Beijing Olympic Games.IOC President to meet with world leaders http://www.olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=2698 https://web.archive.org/web/20080907020146/http://www.olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=2698 7 September 2008 live 9 September 2009 Participating National Olympic Committees18em AFG 2008 Summer 4 athletes ALB 2008 Summer 11 ALG 2008 Summer 56 ASA 2008 Summer 4 AND 2008 Summer 5 ANG 2008 Summer 32 ANT 2008 Summer 5 ARG 2008 Summer 132 ARM 2008 Summer 25 ARU 2008 Summer 2 AUS 2008 Summer 432 AUT 2008 Summer 70 AZE 2008 Summer 44 BAH 2008 Summer 25 BRN 2008 Summer 14 BAN 2008 Summer 5 BAR 2008 Summer 8 BLR 2008 Summer 177 BEL 2008 Summer 94 BIZ 2008 Summer 4 BEN 2008 Summer 5 BER 2008 Summer 6 BHU 2008 Summer 2 BOL 2008 Summer 7 BIH 2008 Summer 5 BOT 2008 Summer 11 BRA 2008 Summer 268 IVB 2008 Summer 2 BUL 2008 Summer 70 BUR 2008 Summer 6 BDI 2008 Summer 3 CAM 2008 Summer 4 CMR 2008 Summer 32 CAN 2008 Summer 332 CPV 2008 Summer 2 CAY 2008 Summer 4 CAF 2008 Summer 3 CHA 2008 Summer 2 CHI 2008 Summer 26 CHN 2008 Summer 639 (host) COL 2008 Summer 67 COM 2008 Summer 3 CGO 2008 Summer 5 COD 2008 Summer 5 COK 2008 Summer 4 CRC 2008 Summer 8 CRO 2008 Summer 99 CUB 2008 Summer 158 CYP 2008 Summer 17 CZE 2008 Summer 134 DEN 2008 Summer 84 DJI 2008 Summer 2 DMA 2008 Summer 2 DOM 2008 Summer 24 ECU 2008 Summer 25 EGY 2008 Summer 100 ESA 2008 Summer 11 GEQ 2008 Summer 3 ERI 2008 Summer 10 EST 2008 Summer 47 ETH 2008 Summer 27 FIJ 2008 Summer 6 FIN 2008 Summer 57 FRA 2008 Summer 309 GAB 2008 Summer 4 GAM 2008 Summer 3 GEO 2008 Summer 35 GER 2008 Summer 420 GHA 2008 Summer 9 GBR 2008 Summer 304 GRE 2008 Summer 152 GRN 2008 Summer 9 GUM 2008 Summer 6 GUA 2008 Summer 12 GUI 2008 Summer 5 GBS 2008 Summer 3 GUY 2008 Summer 4 HAI 2008 Summer 7 HON 2008 Summer 25 HKG 2008 Summer 34 HUN 2008 Summer 171 ISL 2008 Summer 27 IND 2008 Summer 53 INA 2008 Summer 24 IRI 2008 Summer 54 IRQ 2008 Summer 4 IRL 2008 Summer 55 ISR 2008 Summer 43 ITA 2008 Summer 333 CIV 2008 Summer 21 JAM 2008 Summer 50 JPN 2008 Summer 351 JOR 2008 Summer 7 KAZ 2008 Summer 132 KEN 2008 Summer 46 KIR 2008 Summer 2 PRK 2008 Summer 63 KOR 2008 Summer 267 KUW 2008 Summer 8 KGZ 2008 Summer 20 LAO 2008 Summer 4 LAT 2008 Summer 47 LIB 2008 Summer 6 LES 2008 Summer 5 LBR 2008 Summer 3 LBA 2008 Summer 6 LIE 2008 Summer 2 LTU 2008 Summer 71 LUX 2008 Summer 13 MKD 2008 Summer 7 MAD 2008 Summer 6 MAW 2008 Summer 4 MAS 2008 Summer 33 MDV 2008 Summer 4 MLI 2008 Summer 17 MLT 2008 Summer 6 MHL 2008 Summer 5 MTN 2008 Summer 2 MRI 2008 Summer 11 MEX 2008 Summer 83 FSM 2008 Summer 5 Micronesia MDA 2008 Summer 29 MON 2008 Summer 5 MGL 2008 Summer 28 MNE 2008 Summer 19 MAR 2008 Summer 47 MOZ 2008 Summer 4 MYA 2008 Summer 6 NAM 2008 Summer 10 NRU 2008 Summer 1 NEP 2008 Summer 8 NED 2008 Summer 237 AHO 2008 Summer 3 NZL 2008 Summer 178 NCA 2008 Summer 6 NIG 2008 Summer 4 NGR 2008 Summer 74 NOR 2008 Summer 84 OMA 2008 Summer 5 PAK 2008 Summer 21 PLW 2008 Summer 5 PLE 2008 Summer 4 PAN 2008 Summer 5 PNG 2008 Summer 7 PAR 2008 Summer 7 PER 2008 Summer 13 PHI 2008 Summer 15 POL 2008 Summer 257 POR 2008 Summer 77 PUR 2008 Summer 22 QAT 2008 Summer 22 ROU 2008 Summer 101 RUS 2008 Summer 467 RWA 2008 Summer 4 SKN 2008 Summer 4 LCA 2008 Summer 4 VIN 2008 Summer 2 SAM 2008 Summer 6 SMR 2008 Summer 4 STP 2008 Summer 3 KSA 2008 Summer 16 SEN 2008 Summer 15 SRB 2008 Summer 87 SEY 2008 Summer 9 SLE 2008 Summer 3 SIN 2008 Summer 25 SVK 2008 Summer 57 SLO 2008 Summer 61 SOL 2008 Summer 3 SOM 2008 Summer 2 RSA 2008 Summer 134 ESP 2008 Summer 283 SRI 2008 Summer 8 SUD 2008 Summer 9 SUR 2008 Summer 4 SWZ 2008 Summer 4 SWE 2008 Summer 123 SUI 2008 Summer 83 SYR 2008 Summer 7 TPE 2008 Summer 80 TJK 2008 Summer 15 TAN 2008 Summer 9 THA 2008 Summer 51 TLS 2008 Summer 1 TOG 2008 Summer 4 TGA 2008 Summer 3 TRI 2008 Summer 28 TUN 2008 Summer 26 TUR 2008 Summer 68 TKM 2008 Summer 10 TUV 2008 Summer 3 UGA 2008 Summer 11 UKR 2008 Summer 243 UAE 2008 Summer 8 USA 2008 Summer 596 URU 2008 Summer 12 UZB 2008 Summer 56 VAN 2008 Summer 3 VEN 2008 Summer 108 VIE 2008 Summer 21 ISV 2008 Summer 7 YEM 2008 Summer 5 ZAM 2008 Summer 8 ZIM 2008 Summer 13 National participation changes thumb|Flag of the Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee. Athletes from the Republic of China (Taiwan) competed at the 2008 Games as Chinese Taipei (TPE) under the Chinese Taipei Olympic flag and used the National Banner Song as their official anthem. The participation of Taiwan was briefly in doubt because of disagreements over the name of their team in the Chinese language and concerns about Taiwan marching in the opening ceremony next to the special administrative region of Hong Kong. A compromise based at the Nagoya Resolution about the naming was reached some months before the opening ceremonies, and Taiwan was referred to during the Games as "Chinese Taipei", rather than "Taipei, China," as the mainland China government had proposed. In addition, the Central African Republic was placed between Taipei and Hong Kong on protocol order. Callick Rowan Taiwan clears Games hurdle The Australian 4 August 2008 http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24123163-5013406,00.html 15 June 2009 August 2026 InternetArchiveBot April 2026 Starting in 2005, North Korea and South Korea held meetings to discuss the possibility of sending a united team to the 2008 Olympics. Koreas 'to unify Olympics teams' https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4396170.stm BBC 14 May 2006 17 December 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20060628082744/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4396170.stm 28 June 2006 liveTwo Koreas Make Progress in Creation of Unified Team http://www.olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=1893 https://web.archive.org/web/20071029024041/http://www.olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=1893 29 October 2007 International Olympic Committee 5 September 2006 10 September 2006 live The proposal failed, because of disagreements about how athletes would be chosen; North Korea was demanding a certain percentage representation for its athletes. A subsequent attempt to broker an agreement for the two nations to walk together during the March of Nations failed as well, despite their having done so during the 2000 and 2004 Games. Wilson Stephen North, South Korea Fail To Broker Joint Olympics March Associated Press 7 August 2008 http://www.nysun.com/foreign/north-south-korea-fail-to-broker-joint-olympics/83398/ 15 June 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20081205053616/http://www.nysun.com/foreign/north-south-korea-fail-to-broker-joint-olympics/83398/ 5 December 2008 live On 24 July 2008, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) banned Iraq from competing in the 2008 Olympic Summer Games because of "political interference by the government in sports." Iraq banned from Summer Olympics CNN 24 July 2008 http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/07/24/iraq.olympics/index.html 24 July 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080727024900/http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/07/24/iraq.olympics/index.html 27 July 2008 live Iraq banned from Beijing Olympics BBC Sport 24 July 2008 https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/olympics/7523708.stm 24 July 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080725001202/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/olympics/7523708.stm 25 July 2008 live The IOC reversed its decision five days later and allowed the nation to compete after a pledge by Iraq to ensure "the independence of its national Olympics panel" by instituting fair elections before the end of November. In the meantime, Iraq's Olympic Organization was to be run by "an interim committee proposed by its national sports federations and approved by the IOC."https://www.usatoday.com/news/topstories/2008-07-29-1527812812_x.htm Olympic panel ends ban, says Iraq can go to games Jordans, Frank USA Today 29 July 2008 20 June 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20110623190358/http://www.usatoday.com/news/topstories/2008-07-29-1527812812_x.htm 23 June 2011 live Brunei Brunei Darussalam was due to take part in the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. However, they were disqualified on 8 August, having failed to register either of their two athletes.Brunei Darussalam excluded from Beijing Olympic Games Xinhua 8 August 2008 http://www.china.org.cn/olympics/news/2008-08/08/content_16167337.htm 8 August 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080813082320/http://www.china.org.cn/olympics/news/2008-08/08/content_16167337.htm 13 August 2008 live The IOC spokeswoman Emmanuelle Moreau said in a statement that "it is a great shame and very sad for the athletes who lose out because of the decision by their team not to register them. The IOC tried up until the last minute, midday Friday 8 August 2008, the day of the official opening, to have them register, but to no avail." Brunei excluded from Beijing Games Reuters 8 August 2008 https://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-Olympics/idUSPEK32791920080808 15 June 2009 Brunei's Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports issued a press release stating that their decision not to participate was due to an injury to one of their athletes.Thomas, Jason Begawan, Bandar Seri Brunei not in China because ... The Brunei Times 10 August 2008 http://www.bt.com.bn/en/sport/2008/08/10/brunei_not_in_china_because 15 June 2009 usurped https://web.archive.org/web/20081201090922/http://bt.com.bn/en/sport/2008/08/10/brunei_not_in_china_because 1 December 2008 Georgia announced on 9 August 2008, that it was considering withdrawing from the Beijing Olympic Games because of the 2008 South Ossetia war, but it went on to compete while the conflict was still ongoing.http://www.news24.com/News24/Sport/Olympics2008/0,,2-9-2370_2372929,00.html https://web.archive.org/web/20080825021441/http://www.news24.com/News24/Sport/Olympics2008/0%2C%2C2-9-2370_2372929%2C00.html 25 August 2008 24.com – Olympics 2008 – Georgia poised to leave Beijing 8 September 2008 25 August 2008 dead Participation of athletes with disabilities South African swimmer Natalie du Toit, whose left leg was amputated following a motor scooter accident, qualified to compete at the Beijing Olympics. The five time gold medalist at the Athens Paralympics in 2004 made history by becoming the first amputee to qualify for the Olympic Games since Olivér Halassy in 1936. She was able to compete in the Olympics rather than the Paralympics because she does not use a prosthetic leg while swimming.Hart Simon Dreams carry Natalie Du Toit to Beijing The Telegraph 4 May 2008 https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/swimming/2299269/Dreams-carry-Natalie-Du-Toit-to-Beijing.html 15 June 2009 London https://web.archive.org/web/20090530170103/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/swimming/2299269/Dreams-carry-Natalie-Du-Toit-to-Beijing.html 30 May 2009 dead Polish athlete Natalia Partyka, who was born without a right forearm, competed in Table Tennis in the 2008 Summer Olympics and 2008 Paralympic Games.http://www.london2012.com/blog/2008/06/18/natalia-paralympic-and-olympic-athlete.php Natalia: Paralympic AND Olympic athlete 15 June 2009 23 November 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20091123171902/https://www.london2012.com/blog/2008/06/18/natalia-paralympic-and-olympic-athlete.php dead April 2026 Sports The program for the Beijing Games was quite similar to that of the 2004 Summer Olympics held in Athens. There were 28 sports and 302 medal events at the 2008 Games. Nine new events were held, including two from the new cycling discipline of BMX. Women competed in the 3000 m ft 0 mid us steeplechase for the first time. Open water swimming events for men and women, over the distance of 10 km mi us, were added as another aquatics discipline. Team events (men and women) in table tennis replaced the doubles events.http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/2008/08/10/2008-08-10_a_2008_summer_olympics_primer.html A 2008 Summer Olympics primer 10 August 2008 New York Daily News 8 June 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20181225174703/https://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/2008-summer-olympics-primer-article-1.313803 25 December 2018 live In fencing, the women's team foil and women's team sabre replaced men's team foil and women's team épée.The fencing program included six individual events and four team events; the FIE's rules call for the set of team events to be different from those held in the previous Games and for at least one team event in each weapon to be contested. The fourth event is determined by a vote. In 2004, the three men's team events (foil, sabre, épée) and the women's épée were held, so in 2008, both the women's foil and sabre events, as well as the men's épée, were automatically selected. The fourth event, men's sabre, was chosen over men's foil by a 45:20 vote.http://www.fie.ch/download/letters/2006/urgent/09/en/decisions%20ANG.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20080307170803/http://www.fie.ch/download/letters/2006/urgent/09/en/decisions%20ANG.pdf 7 March 2008 List of decisions of the 2006 General Assembly 8 April 2006 Fédération Internationale d'Escrime 7 June 2009 Two sports and one discipline were open only to men, baseball, boxing and greco-roman wrestling, while one sport and two disciplines were open only to women, softball, synchronized swimming and rhythmic gymnastics. Equestrian and mixed badminton are the only sports in which men and women compete together, although three events in the Sailing allowed the opportunity for both males and female participants. However, only male participants took part in all three events.http://olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=1797 Beijing 2008: Games Programme Finalised International Olympic Committee 27 April 2006 7 June 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20080914051210/http://olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_news/full_story_uk.asp?id=1797 14 September 2008 live http://multimedia.olympic.org/pdf/en_report_1056.pdf Programme of the Games of the XXIX Olympiad, Beijing 2008 International Olympic Committee 25 November 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20110723070956/http://multimedia.olympic.org/pdf/en_report_1056.pdf 23 July 2011 dead The following were the 302 medal events in 28 sports that were contested at the Games. The number of events contested in each sport is indicated in parentheses (in sports with more than one discipline, as identified by the IOC,http://www.olympic.org/sports Home > Sports olympic.org 24 October 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20181225174712/https://www.olympic.org/sports%20 25 December 2018 live these are also specified). 2008 Summer Olympics Sports ProgrammeAquatics Diving 8 No d Marathon swimming 2 No d Swimming 32 No d Synchronized swimming 2 No d Water polo 2 No d Archery 4 d Athletics 47 d Badminton 5 d Baseball 1 d Basketball 2 d Boxing 11 d Canoeing d Slalom (4) Sprint (12) Cycling d BMX (2) Road (4) Track (10) Mountain bike (2) Equestrian d Dressage (2) Eventing (2) Jumping (2) Fencing 10 d Field hockey 2 d Football 2 d Gymnastics d Artistic (14) Rhythmic (2) Trampoline (2) Handball 2 d Judo 14 d Modern pentathlon 2 d Rowing 14 d Sailing 11 d Shooting 15 d Softball 1 d Table tennis 4 d Taekwondo 8 d Tennis 4 d Triathlon 2 d Volleyball d Beach volleyball (2) Volleyball (2) Weightlifting 15 d Wrestling d Freestyle (11) Greco-Roman (7) In addition to the official Olympic sports, the Beijing Organizing Committee was given special dispensation by the IOC to run a wushu competition in tandem with the Games. The 2008 Beijing Wushu Tournament saw 128 athletes from 43 countries participate, with medals awarded in 15 separate events; however, these were not to be added to the official medal tally since Wushu was not on the official program of the 2008 Summer Olympics.http://en.beijing2008.cn/news/official/preparation/n214506999.shtml https://web.archive.org/web/20080808100337/http://en.beijing2008.cn/news/official/preparation/n214506999.shtml 8 August 2008 Wushu Tournament Beijing 2008 to begin August 21 en.beijing2008.cn 5 August 2008 Calendar In the following calendar for the 2008 Summer Olympics, each blue box represents an event competition, such as a qualification round, on that day. The yellow boxes represent days during which medal-awarding finals for a sport were held. Each bullet in these boxes is an event final, the number of bullets per box representing the number of finals that were contested on that day. On the left, the calendar lists each sport with events held during the Games, and at the right how many gold medals were won in that sport. There is a key at the top of the calendar to aid the reader.http://en.beijing2008.cn/cptvenues/schedule/ Olympic Games Competition Schedule Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games 5 July 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070618095401/http://en.beijing2008.cn/cptvenues/schedule/ 18 June 2007 dead Calendar Records World and Olympic records set at the 2008 Summer Olympics 125 Olympic records including 37 world records were set in various events at the Games. In swimming, sixty-five Olympic swimming records including 25 world records were broken because of the use of the LZR Racer, a specialized swimming suit developed by NASA and the Australian Institute of Sport.http://www.physorg.com/news123416635.html=en https://web.archive.org/web/20080919084240/http://www.physorg.com/news123416635.html%3Den 19 September 2008 Engineering the world's fastest swimsuit Physorg 28 February 2008 30 August 2008 dead Only two swimming Olympic records remained intact after the Games. Opening ceremony 2008 Summer Olympics opening ceremony thumb|upright=1.21|Opening Ceremony. Before the event started, the People's Liberation Army Navy Band performed the Welcome March song as delegations of both IOC and the Chinese government, led by Jacques Rogge and Hu Jintao, entered Beijing National Stadium (The Bird's Nest).http://en.beijing2008.cn/ceremonies/n214508163.shtml Opening Ceremony plan released 6 August 2008 Official website 8 August 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080808103425/http://en.beijing2008.cn/ceremonies/n214508163.shtml 8 August 2008 dead The opening ceremony officially began at 8:00 pm China Standard Time (UTC+8) on 8 August 2008. The number 8 is associated with prosperity and confidence in Chinese culture, and the ceremonial start comprised a triple eight for the date and one extra for time (close to 08:08:08 pm).http://afgen.com/china8.html The Number Eight and the Chinese 22 April 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20070427201943/http://afgen.com/china8.html 27 April 2007 deadApril 2023 The ceremony was co-directed by Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou and Chinese choreographer Zhang Jiganghttp://en.beijing2008.cn/culture/ceremonies/n214143744.shtml Zhang Yimou and his five creative generals 23 August 2007 Beijing2008.cn 5 June 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090428200852/http://en.beijing2008.cn/culture/ceremonies/n214143744.shtml 28 April 2009 dead and featured a cast of over 15,000 performers.Crean Jeffrey The Fear of Chinese Power: an International History 2024 Bloomsbury Academic 978-1-350-23394-2 New Approaches to International History series London, UK 165 The ceremony lasted over four hours and was reported to have cost over US$100 million to produce.China Celebrates Opening of Summer Olympics : NPR NPR.org https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93420251 https://web.archive.org/web/20100122052643/http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93420251 22 January 2010 live 9 September 2009 UNGA President Miguel d'Escoto and leaders from 105 countries and territories attended this ceremony. thumb|upright=0.86|Ilias Iliadis led the Greek team into the Bird's Nest as the traditional first contingent. thumb|upright=1.18|Yao Ming and Lin Hao led the host country. China, as the host, enters last among 204 nations with a large vast of participants joining the parade. A rich showcase of ancient Chinese art and culture dominated the ceremony cultural segments. It opened with the beating of Fou drums for the countdown. Subsequently, a giant scroll was unveiled and became the show's centerpiece. The official song of the 2008 Summer Olympics, titled "You and Me", was performed by Britain's Sarah Brightman and China's Liu Huan, on a large spinning rendition of the globe.https://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUST29313420080807 Fears, foul-ups and triumphs at past Olympic openings 7 August 2008 Reuters 5 June 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20080831104338/http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUST29313420080807 31 August 2008 live As the Olympic Charter determines the parade of nations section, is led by the Greek team, which hosted the previous games, entered first in honour of its status as the Olympic birthplace. They were led by judoka Ilias Iliadis. Meanwhile, the Chinese team entered last as the host country, led by the NBA's Houston Rockets superstar Yao Ming and earthquake survivor Lin Hao, who was just 9 years old. The last torchbearer in the Olympic Torch was the gymnast legend Li Ning ignited the cauldron, after being suspended into the air by wires and completing the relay last 400m of the National Stadium at roof height.https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=oly&id=3525418 China strides onto Olympic stage 8 August 2008 ESPN 5 June 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20121106194514/http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=oly&id=3525418 6 November 2012 live thumb|upright=1.22|The lighting of the Olympic Cauldron. thumb|upright=1.18|Chinese gymnast Li Ning after igniting the cauldron. The opening ceremony was lauded by spectators and various international presses as "spectacular" and "spellbinding". Hein Verbruggen, chairman of the IOC Coordination Commission for the XXIX Olympiad, called the ceremony "a grand, unprecedented success."http://en.beijing2008.cn/news/official/ioc/n214520633.shtml Verbruggen: Opening Ceremony a grand success Beijing2008.cn 9 August 2008 5 June 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090428182913/http://en.beijing2008.cn/news/official/ioc/n214520633.shtml 28 April 2009 dead Closing ceremony 2008 Summer Olympics closing ceremony The 2008 Summer Olympics closing ceremony concluded the Beijing Games on 24 August 2008. It began at 8:00 pm China Standard Time (UTC+8) and took place at the Beijing National Stadium. The ceremony included the handover of the Games from Beijing to London. Guo Jinlong, the Mayor of Beijing handed over the Olympic flag to the Mayor of London Boris Johnson, followed by a performance organized by London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. This presentation included performances by guitarist Jimmy Page and recording artist Leona Lewis. Footballer David Beckham was also featured during London's presentation.London Takes Over as Olympic Host 24 August 2008 The BBC https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/olympics/london_2012/7577999.stm 10 January 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20080929000606/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/olympics/london_2012/7577999.stm 29 September 2008 live Medal table 2008 Summer Olympics medal table List of 2008 Summer Olympics medal winners thumb|The reverse side of the medals of the 2008 Summer Olympics: silver (left), gold (center), bronze (right). Each medal has a ring of jade. Of the 204 nations that participated in the 2008 Games, 87 earned medals and 54 of those won at least one gold medal, both of these figures setting new records for Olympic Games.Crary David The final count: China's gold rush NBCOlympics.com NBC 24 August 2008 http://www.2008.nbcolympics.com/newscenter/news/newsid=254694.html https://web.archive.org/web/20110714161128/http://www.2008.nbcolympics.com/newscenter/news/newsid%3D254694.html 14 July 2011 6 June 2009 Associated Press deadhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/olympics/2621181/China-confirm-their-place-as-worlds-leading-superpower-Olympics.html China confirm place as leading superpower after topping Olympic Games medal table Telegraph Media Group 25 August 2008 Kaz Mochlinski 2 July 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180715051955/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/olympics/2621181/China-confirm-their-place-as-worlds-leading-superpower-Olympics.html 15 July 2018 live There were 117 participating countries that did not win any medals. Athletes from China won the highest number of gold medals of any nation at these Games, with 48, thus making China the seventh nation to rank top in the medal table in the history of the modern Olympics, along with the United States (fifteen times), France (in 1900), Great Britain (in 1908), Germany (in 1936), the Soviet Union (six times), and the Unified Team (in 1992). The United States team won the most medals overall, with 112. Afghanistan,Afghans win first Olympic medal BBC https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/olympics/taekwondo/7572409.stm 20 August 2008 5 June 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20080821064824/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/olympics/taekwondo/7572409.stm 21 August 2008 live Mauritius,Mauritian delight at first ever medal http://m.bt.com.bn/international_sport/2008/08/23/beijing_buzz The Brunei Times Brunei 23 August 2008 13 April 2016 usurped https://web.archive.org/web/20160421235456/http://m.bt.com.bn/international_sport/2008/08/23/beijing_buzz 21 April 2016 Sudan,Darfur runner wins Sudan's first Olympic medal http://2008games.nytimes.com/olympics/story.asp?i=20080824121844314602808&ref=rec&tm=&src=DOLY https://web.archive.org/web/20110714220216/http://2008games.nytimes.com/olympics/story.asp?i=20080824121844314602808&ref=rec&tm=&src=DOLY 14 July 2011 Osman, Mohamed The New York Times 5 June 2009 24 August 2008 dead TajikistanItaly, Azerbaijan win golds Talmadge, Eric The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/11/sports/11iht-olyjudo11.15183337.html?_r=1 5 June 2009 11 August 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20181225174704/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/11/sports/11iht-olyjudo11.15183337.html?_r=1 25 December 2018 live and TogoTogo claims first Olympic medal BBC https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7556266.stm 12 August 2008 5 June 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20181225174655/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7556266.stm%20 25 December 2018 live won their first Olympic medals. Mongolia (which previously held the record for most medals without a gold)Naidan wins Mongolia's first gold BBC https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/olympics/judo/7560951.stm 5 June 2009 14 August 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20181225174701/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/olympics/judo/7560951.stm%20 25 December 2018 live and PanamaLiu out, Isinbayeva gets world record The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/18/sports/18iht-olyath118.15391333.html 5 June 2009 18 August 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20181225174714/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/18/sports/18iht-olyath118.15391333.html 25 December 2018 live won their first gold medals. Four members of the water polo team from Serbia won the first medal for their country under its new name, having previously won medals representing Yugoslavia and Serbia and Montenegro.Serbian PM congratulates swimmer on winning medal in Beijing Olympics Chinaview.cn http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-08/17/content_9416202.htm 5 June 2009 17 August 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080818231306/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-08/17/content_9416202.htm 18 August 2008 dead American swimmer Michael Phelps won a total of eight gold medals, more than any other athlete in a single Olympic Games, setting numerous world and Olympic records in the process. Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt also set records in several different events, completing the 100m final with a time of 9.69 seconds, beating his own previous world record.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/olympics/athletics/7565203.stm Bolt surges to gold in new record BBC 16 August 2008 7 January 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20181225174710/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/olympics/athletics/7565203.stm 25 December 2018 live Gymnast Nastia Liukin won the all-around gold medal in artistic gymnastics, becoming the third American female to do so, following in the footsteps of Mary Lou Retton in 1984 and Carly Patterson in 2004.http://www.people.com/people/package/article/0,,20612225_20617996,00.html Gabby Douglas poses with Nastia Liukin, Carly Patterson, and Mary Lou Retton Scwartz Alison People 30 August 2012 7 January 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20181225174659/https://people.com/sports/gabby-douglas-poses-with-nastia-liukin-carly-patterson-and-mary-lou-retton/ 25 December 2018 live These are the top ten nations that won medals in the 2008 Games #ffffff  ‡  darkgray Changes in medal standings (see here). Podium sweeps +DateSportEventNOCGoldSilverBronze9 August FencingWomen's sabre USA 2008 SummerMariel ZagunisSada JacobsonRebecca Ward17 AugustAthletics Women's 100 metersJAM 2008 SummerShelly-Ann FraserSherone SimpsonKerron StewartNot awarded17 AugustTennisWomen's singlesRUS 2008 SummerElena DementievaDinara SafinaVera Zvonareva18 AugustAthleticsMen's 400 meters hurdlesUSA 2008 SummerAngelo TaylorKerron ClementBershawn Jackson21 AugustAthleticsMen's 400 metersUSA 2008 SummerLaShawn MerrittJeremy WarinerDavid Neville22 AugustTable tennisWomen's singlesCHN 2008 SummerZhang YiningWang Nan Guo Yue23 AugustTable tennisMen's singlesCHN 2008 SummerMa LinWang HaoWang Liqin Concerns and controversies Concerns and controversies at the 2008 Summer Olympics thumb|The banner reads: "Human Rights Abuse Cannot Co-exist with Beijing Olympics", picture taken during the opening of the Human Rights Torch Relay event|alt=A crowd of protesters in a street displays a banner reading "Human Rights Abuse Cannot Co-exist with Beijing Olympics." Near the center of the image, a photographer holds a camera level with the banner while looking through the viewfinder. A variety of concerns over the Games, or China's hosting of the Games, had been expressed by various entities, including claims that China violated its pledge to allow open media access,Yardley Jim https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/09/sports/olympics/09beijing.html Two Concerns for Olympics – Air and Access – Beijing (China) The New York Times 9 July 2008 16 May 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110714011922/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/09/sports/olympics/09beijing.html 14 July 2011 live various claims of human rights violations,http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,3545274,00.html Protestors Rally in Europe on Eve of China Olympics Deutsche Welle 7 August 2008 9 August 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080808181051/http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,3545274,00.html 8 August 2008 live http://www.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/theeditorialpage/story.html?id=c06e4f24-ea77-467c-960e-abc94721e094 China's un-Olympic human rights record Calgary Herald 9 August 2008 9 August 2008 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20090625133402/http://www2.canada.com/calgaryherald/news/theeditorialpage/story.html?id=c06e4f24-ea77-467c-960e-abc94721e094 25 June 2009 its alleged continuous support of repressive regimes (such as Zimbabwe, Myanmar, Sudan, and North Korea), air pollution in both the city of Beijing and environs,http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/olympics/2008-08/07/content_6912755.htm Ji Xinpeng: Beijing welcomes you with its blue sky 8 August 2008 China Daily 7 August 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080827092033/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/olympics/2008-08/07/content_6912755.htm 27 August 2008 live proposed boycotts,https://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1009630.html Saul Newman Why Grandpa boycotted the Olympics Haaretz 9 August 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080814031036/http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1009630.html 14 August 2008 dead warnings of the possibility that the Beijing Olympics could be targeted by terrorist groups,https://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080425.wolyminterpol0425/BNStory/International/?id=RTGAM.20080425.wolyminterpol0425 https://archive.today/20080509082147/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080425.wolyminterpol0425/BNStory/International/?page=rss&id=RTGAM.20080425.wolyminterpol0425 dead 9 May 2008 Interpol says Olympic terror attack 'real possibility' The Globe and Mail Canada 29 November 2010 disruption from Tibetan separatist protesters,http://www.intelasia.net/interpol-chief-warns-of-olympic-terror-threat-78573 https://web.archive.org/web/20121102082128/http://www.intelasia.net/interpol-chief-warns-of-olympic-terror-threat-78573 2 November 2012 Interpol chief warns of Olympic terror threat intelasia.net 13 July 2012 and religious persecutions.http://www.voanews.com/english/archive/2008-08/2008-08-10-voa26.cfm Bush Olympic Visit Highlights Religion in China 10 August 2008 Voice of America Mike O'Sullivan https://web.archive.org/web/20090826095001/http://www.voanews.com/english/archive/2008-08/2008-08-10-voa26.cfm 26 August 2009 dead 2 July 2009 There were also claims that several members of China's women's gymnastics team, including double gold medal winner He Kexin, were too young to compete under the International Gymnastics Federation's rules for Olympic eligibility, but all were exonerated after an official IOC investigation.http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5g_Ts7Mez2-NSOzTZbrAStD1DgTuQ Olympic probe into age-fixing of Chinese gymnasts 21 August 2008 29 November 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20101207052845/http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5g_Ts7Mez2-NSOzTZbrAStD1DgTuQ 7 December 2010 dead 2008 Chinese gymnasts cleared, but 2000 team eyed ESPN Associated Press 1 October 2008 https://www.espn.com/olympics/gymnastics/news/story?id=3619325 1 October 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081004050946/http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/gymnastics/news/story?id=3619325 4 October 2008 live Collectively, the Beijing Olympics are associated with a variety of problematic topics: the ecological impact, residential displacement due to construction, treatment of migrant workers, the government's political stance on Tibet, etc.Kang Jaeho Traganou Jilly 2011 The Beijing National Stadium as Media-space Design and Culture 3 2 145–163 10.2752/175470811X13002771867761 143762612 In the lead-up to the Olympics, the government allegedly issued guidelines to the local media for their reporting during the Games: most political issues not directly related to the Olympics were to be downplayed; topics such as pro-Tibetan independence and East Turkestan movements were not to be reported on, as were food safety issues such as "cancer-causing mineral water".Stephen Hutcheon, "Was China's milk scandal hushed up?" https://web.archive.org/web/20080929073134/http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/was-chinas-contaminated-milk-scandal-hushed-up/2008/09/15/1221330732015.html 29 September 2008 , "The full list of edicts" https://web.archive.org/web/20150924202932/http://www.smh.com.au/news/off-the-field/the-full-list-of-edicts/2008/08/14/1218307066869.html 24 September 2015 , New Zealand Herald (15 September 2008) As the 2008 Chinese milk scandal broke in September 2008, there was widespread speculation that China's desire for a perfect Games may have been a factor contributing towards the delayed recall of contaminated infant formula.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/2963808/China-accused-over-contaminated-baby-milk.html China accused over contaminated baby milk Richard Spencer in Beijing 15 September 2008 Telegraph.co.uk 3 April 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20081019192617/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/2963808/China-accused-over-contaminated-baby-milk.html 19 October 2008 livehttps://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/24/world/asia/24milk.html China Says Complaints About Milk Began in 2007 24 September 2008 The New York Times 14 February 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170129060401/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/24/world/asia/24milk.html 29 January 2017 live The 2008 Olympics were hit by a number of doping scandals before and after the Games had commenced. Since seven Russian track and field stars were suspended just before the start of the Games for allegedly tampering with their urine samples, only five of the seven who were due to take part could participate. Eleven Greek weightlifters also failed tests in the run up to the Games and the entire Bulgarian weightlifting team had to withdraw after eleven of their weightlifters also failed tests. A small number of athletes from other nations also failed pre-Games tests.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/olympics/weightlifting/7477827.stm Bulgaria withdraws lifting team BBC Sport 27 June 2008 27 August 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20090226184403/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/olympics/weightlifting/7477827.stm 26 February 2009 live https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/olympics/weightlifting/7330927.stm Greek 'B' samples test positive BBC Sport 2 May 2008 27 August 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20080408073929/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/olympics/weightlifting/7330927.stm 8 April 2008 live https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/athletics/7679893.stm Seven Russians handed doping bans BBC Sport 20 October 2008 27 August 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20081023172031/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/athletics/7679893.stm 23 October 2008 live Legacy thumb|right|Beijing 2008 cauldron in 2013 The 2008 Summer Olympics have been generally accepted by the world's media as a logistical success.Skalij Wally Beijing Olympics were logistically successful and sneaky, too https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-aug-24-sp-olyplaschke24-story.html LA Times 29 August 2008 24 August 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20110624095617/http://articles.latimes.com/2008/aug/24/sports/sp-olyplaschke24 24 June 2011 live Many of the worst fears about the Games failed to materialize: no terrorists struck Beijing; no athlete protested at the podium (though Swedish wrestler Ara Abrahamian tossed his bronze medal in disgust over judging); and the air quality, despite being the worst in Olympics history, was not as bad as many had feared beforehand – due largely to favorable weather patterns.China Launches Olympic-Size Headache 20 August 2008 http://www.nysun.com/foreign/china-launches-olympic-size-headache/84259/ 31 August 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080829000445/http://www.nysun.com/foreign/china-launches-olympic-size-headache/84259/ 29 August 2008 live Beijing Olympics were the most polluted games ever, researchers say 22 June 2009 https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/olympics/london2012/5597277/Beijing-Olympics-were-the-most-polluted-games-ever-researchers-say.html The Daily Telegraph London 26 June 2009 Alastair Jamieson https://web.archive.org/web/20090626074823/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/olympics/london2012/5597277/Beijing-Olympics-were-the-most-polluted-games-ever-researchers-say.html 26 June 2009 dead Many in China viewed the Olympics as "an affirmation of a single nationalistic dream" and saw protests during the international torch relay as an insult to China.https://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Olympic-Games-all-about-China-Chinese-3274954.php →Beijing Olympic Games all about China, Chinese Leaders keen to impress, inspire their own people April Rabkin 1 August 2008 San Francisco Chronicle 17 March 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20101119225630/http://articles.sfgate.com/2008-08-01/news/17121901_1_international-olympic-committee-s-choice-beijing-torch-protests 19 November 2010 live The Games also bolstered domestic support for the Chinese government, and for the policies of the Communist Party, giving rise to concerns that the Olympics would give the state more leverage to suppress political dissent, at least temporarily.Gardner Dinah China's Olympic legacy 25 August 2008 http://english.aljazeera.net/focus/beijing08/2008/08/20088255274440438.html 29 August 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080829090422/http://english.aljazeera.net/focus/beijing08/2008/08/20088255274440438.html 29 August 2008 live Efforts to quell any unrest before and during the Games also contributed to a rapid expansion in the size and political clout of China's internal security forces, and this growth continued through the following years.China's new rulers, Princelings and the goon state, The rise and rise of the princelings, the country's revolutionary aristocracy 14 April 2011 https://www.economist.com/asia/2011/04/14/princelings-and-the-goon-state The Economist 22 July 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120623041351/http://www.economist.com/node/18561005 23 June 2012 live Reports also indicated that the Olympics boosted the political careers of pro-Beijing politicians in Hong Kong, as many Chinese gold medal winners campaigned on behalf of the pro-Beijing DAB during the 2008 election,Democrats perform well despite 'Olympic factor' in Hong Kong elections 8 September 2008 http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/uncategorized/democrats-perform-well-despite-olympics-factor-in-hong-kong-elections_10093389.html 6 June 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20120321210103/http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/uncategorized/democrats-perform-well-despite-olympics-factor-in-hong-kong-elections_10093389.html 21 March 2012 dead although any trend towards greater identification by Hong Kongers with mainland China appears to have been short-lived.Higgins Andrew China denounces 'Hong Konger' trend 11 January 2012 https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/china-denounces-hong-konger-trend/2012/01/10/gIQAmivNqP_story.html 22 July 2012 The Washington Post https://web.archive.org/web/20120604200828/http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/china-denounces-hong-konger-trend/2012/01/10/gIQAmivNqP_story.html 4 June 2012 live Some sectors of the Beijing economy may have benefited from the influx of tourists. Other sectors such as manufacturing lost revenue because of plant closings related to the government's efforts to improve air quality. Four years after the Games, many of the specially constructed facilities were underused or even deserted.McDonald Mark 'Ruin Porn' — the Aftermath of the Beijing Olympics 15 July 2012 http://rendezvous.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/07/15/ruin-porn-the-aftermath-of-the-beijing-olympics 21 July 2012 The New York Times https://web.archive.org/web/20120719133617/http://rendezvous.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/07/15/ruin-porn-the-aftermath-of-the-beijing-olympics/ 19 July 2012 live Beijing benefitted from new infrastructure, environmental upgrades, development of public spaces, improved transportation, and improved communications systems.Xu Guoqi The Idea of China: A Contested History 2026 Harvard University Press 9780674976795 jj.33092015 10.4159/9780674303997176-177 See also Olympics China Sports 2000s 2008 Summer Paralympics Olympic Games held in China 2014 Summer Youth Olympics 2022 Winter Olympics List of IOC country codes Doping at the Olympic Games#2008 Beijing Doping at the Olympic Games – 2008 Beijing Notes References 30em External links no no no no Category:2008 Summer Olympics no no no Q8567 Beijing 2008 topic 2008 Summer Olympics http://en.beijing2008.cn/index.shtml 2008 Summer Olympics Official Site 20 June 2013 bot: unknown https://web.archive.org/web/20081012084504/http://en.beijing2008.cn/index.shtml 12 October 2008 Beijing Olympic Sites Four Years Later – What Remains at Modern Day Ruins Mallon Bill ALL OLYMPIC DOPING POSITIVES – THE COUNT BY GAMES OlympStats 18 January 2019 http://olympstats.com/2019/01/18/all-olympic-doping-positives-the-count-by-games/ 20 June 2025 16 June 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250616233448/https://olympstats.com/2019/01/18/all-olympic-doping-positives-the-count-by-games/ dead soly Athens XXIX OlympiadBeijing 2008 London Olympics China Sports 2000s Category:Olympic Games in China Category:Sports competitions in Beijing Category:2008 in Beijing Olympics Games Category:Summer Olympics by year Category:August 2008 sports events in China