Just as the Games had begun, fireworks and pageantry filled Beijing's National Stadium at the end of 16 days of competition.
Only this time, the massive Olympic torch which had burnt constantly over the stadium throughout slowly faded out.
The closing ceremonies for the Summer Games included the same dramatic flare at the opening ceremonies, with an army of dancers, acrobats and drummers and the parade of the athletes filling the field, but also included a show within the show by London, host of the 2012 Games. There was a red double-decker bus. Performance of " Whole Lotta Love "by Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page, and a soccer boot by David Beckham. Capping the festivities, another massive display of fireworks which rocked the city and as Summer Olympic attention now turns to London, the English city held a party of its own on Sunday. Hundreds gathered in front of Buckingham Palace to wave 2012 flags.
Oh, we've just had a wonderful time in watching the handover, getting excited, 'cause my son's gonna be in the 2012 Olympics, the Para Olympics. He is a swimmer, I'm really excited.
Joining the festivities there, US swimmer Michael Phelps, he says he is looking forward to competitions ahead. He's going to mix things up a bit.
Bob is my coach, he’s trying to, he said to me that he is going to put everything that he's done coaching me, throw it out the door, and try something completely different.
Phelps won 8 gold medals in Beijing, in one of the most riveting and lasting performances in Olympic history.
Sandy Kozel, the Associated Press.
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