2008 Summer Olympics
The Games of the XXIX Olympiad, held in Beijing from 8 to 24 August 2008. They were the first Summer Olympics hosted by China.
2008 Summer Olympics opening ceremony: The ceremony that opened the 2008 Summer Olympics at Beijing National Stadium on 8 August 2008. Zhang Yimou’s large-scale production introduced the Games with performances rooted in Chinese history.
Beijing National Stadium: A stadium in Beijing, nicknamed the Bird’s Nest, designed by Herzog & de Meuron with artist Ai Weiwei. It hosted the opening and closing ceremonies and the athletics competitions.
Beijing's bid for the 2008 Summer Olympics: Beijing’s successful campaign to host the 2008 Summer Olympics, confirmed by an International Olympic Committee vote in 2001. The bid established the political and infrastructure plans behind the Games.
Beijing: The capital of China, located in the country’s north. Hosting the Games accelerated major construction and reshaped parts of the city.
Michael Phelps at the 2008 Summer Olympics: The American swimmer’s campaign in Beijing, where he won eight gold medals. His record-setting medal haul became the Games’ most prominent individual performance.
Beijing National Aquatics Center: A Beijing venue nicknamed the Water Cube, built for aquatic events at the 2008 Summer Olympics. It hosted swimming, diving, and synchronized swimming, including Phelps’s races.
2001 International Olympic Committee session: The International Olympic Committee session in Moscow at which Beijing was elected host of the 2008 Summer Olympics. The vote on 13 July 2001 made Beijing’s Olympic preparations official.
2008 Summer Olympics controversies: Disputes and criticism surrounding the preparation and conduct of the 2008 Summer Olympics. Debates over human rights, air quality, and media access complicated the event’s international image.
Usain Bolt at the 2008 Summer Olympics: The Jamaican sprinter’s performance in Beijing, where he won the 100 metres, 200 metres, and 4 × 100 metres relay. His world records and celebrations made him a global star during the Games.
Olympic Charter: The International Olympic Committee’s codified rules and principles governing the Olympic Movement. Its rules defined how Beijing staged the Games and how national teams competed.