My Favorite Beijing Olympic Moments

The crowds have gone home; the athletes, journalists, and dignataries have boarded flights for cities all over the world; the scores of volunteers have turned the Bird’s Nest back into an empty stadium; and the torch has been handed over to the British. In other words, the Games of the XXIX Olympiad are now history. It’s time to get some sleep.

International Olympic Committee President, Jacques Rogges said on Sunday that his favorite Olympic moment was that of Matthew Emmons, the American shooting contender who blew a chance at the Gold Medal in Athens by shooting the wrong target in the last round, who repeated that farce in the Beijing Games with a similar failure, and who remained calm and philosophical about both events.

What do I take away from the Beijing Games? I’m struck by the heros and the not-so heroes. It’s always the side stories that intrigue me. I will remember:

1. Michael Phelps, of course, for his historic eight medals, but also for his humility and graciousness in his victories.
2. Usain Bolt for his amazing athletic ability, but also for his playfulness at an Olympic Games that sometimes took itself a little seriously. I also applaud him for his generosity towards the host nation, a story that never quite made it to the front page.
3. Natalie du Toit’s determination and courage (and nonchalance when interviewed about it) in being the first woman amputee to participate in the Olympic Games. (We’ll see her again at the Paralympics, which begin September 6.)
4. Those who sailed through the Games undefeated: Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh; the US men’s basketball team; and the Chinese synchronized divers
5. Those that almost achieved Gold: the US softball team and the Chinese men in the 10m platform event
6. And, I guess finally, the chance to see inside of China and at least a little bit about the people who live there. Say what you will about the government, the citizens of Beijing came out to see and cheer for athletes of all nations…and the city put on quite a show.

What was your favorite moment of the Beijing Olympics? Leave a comment below and tell us about it or vote in the poll at right. (If your favorite moment isn’t listed, you can add an answer.)