<p>China laid on the most extravagant opening ceremony yet for a Games designed to demonstrate its burgeoning economic and political might. <br /><br /></p>.<p>Fears about possible terrorism, athletes’ protests following the disruption of the torch relay by pro-Tibet supporters and air quality proved unfounded and the Games provided a stage for the best sprinter and swimmer in Olympic history. <br /><br /> Competing in the ‘Bird’s Nest’ stadium, Usain Bolt shattered the world 100 and 200 metres records and led the Jamaican team to a further world record in the 4x100 metres relay. In the pool, Michael Phelps won a record eight gold medals and set six world records. <br /><br /> After years of struggle, India made it to the gold medal zone, thanks to Abhinav Bindra’s brilliant performance in shooting. Bindra, firing a stupendous 10.8 in his final shot, emerged triumphant in the men’s 10M air rifle. Russian Yelena Isinbayeva increased her own world pole vault record to 5.05 metres. <br /><br />The hosts won the most gold medals, displacing the United States from the top of the medals tally.<br /><br /> Did you know?<br /><br />Canada’s Ian Millar, competing in his ninth Games, won his first medal, a silver, in team jumping. He also competed in London 2012, a record 10th Olympic appearance.</p>
<p>China laid on the most extravagant opening ceremony yet for a Games designed to demonstrate its burgeoning economic and political might. <br /><br /></p>.<p>Fears about possible terrorism, athletes’ protests following the disruption of the torch relay by pro-Tibet supporters and air quality proved unfounded and the Games provided a stage for the best sprinter and swimmer in Olympic history. <br /><br /> Competing in the ‘Bird’s Nest’ stadium, Usain Bolt shattered the world 100 and 200 metres records and led the Jamaican team to a further world record in the 4x100 metres relay. In the pool, Michael Phelps won a record eight gold medals and set six world records. <br /><br /> After years of struggle, India made it to the gold medal zone, thanks to Abhinav Bindra’s brilliant performance in shooting. Bindra, firing a stupendous 10.8 in his final shot, emerged triumphant in the men’s 10M air rifle. Russian Yelena Isinbayeva increased her own world pole vault record to 5.05 metres. <br /><br />The hosts won the most gold medals, displacing the United States from the top of the medals tally.<br /><br /> Did you know?<br /><br />Canada’s Ian Millar, competing in his ninth Games, won his first medal, a silver, in team jumping. He also competed in London 2012, a record 10th Olympic appearance.</p>
