China Tops the Medal List with 51 Golds

Yseterday(Aug 24th) was the last day of Beijing Olympic Games, China's Zou Shiming and Zhang Xiaoping capped the host nation's brilliant run at the Beijing Olympics with two gold medals in boxing.

As the Beijing Olympics closed, the Chinese topped the gold medal count with 51 golds, 21 silvers and 28 bronzes for a total of 100 medals, the very first time to leading the medal tally and break 100 medals in total through history. Well ahead of nearest rival the United States with 36 gold medals, and Russia with 23.

Rogge: Beijing Olympic Games "Truly Exceptional Games"   

The Beijing Olympic Games are "truly exceptional Games," said International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge at the Games' closing ceremony staged in the National Stadium in Beijing yesterday night.

"Through these Games, the world learned more about China, and China learned more about the world. Athletes from 204 National Olympic Committees came to these dazzling venues and awed us with their talent."

"New stars were born. Stars from past Games amazed us again. We shared their joys and their tears, and we marveled at their ability. We will long remember the achievements we witnessed here."

"The Beijing Olympic Games are truly exceptional Games."

He also thanked the people of China, all the volunteers and the BOCOG. At the end of his speech, Rogge declared the closing of the Beijing Games, and called upon the youth of the world to assemble four years from now in London to celebrate the 30th summer Olympic Games.

Beijing Bids Farewell to Olympic Flame 

After 16 days of burning in the National Stadium in north Beijing, the sacred flame of the Beijing Olympics was slowly faded and diminished yesterday night, after the Games were declared closed by IOC President Jacques Rogge. Beijing Mayor Guo Jinlong handed over Olympic host baton flag to his counterpart Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, the next host city of Olympic Games via IOC President Jacques Rogge.