Olympic legacy: A decade after the 2008 Beijing Games

World
Europe

01:47

Ten years ago, on August 8 the Olympic flag was raised in China for the first time as the 2008 Beijing Summer Games got underway. Since then, the country has seen a huge growth in the number of people involved in sporting activities, as the legacy of the event lives on.

Fireworks explode from the stadium roof during the Opening Ceremony for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics at the National Stadium on August 8, 2008 in Beijing, China. /VCG Photo

A row of 29 fireworks representing the 29th edition of modern Olympics were set off to mark the start of the Beijing Games. The breathtaking opening ceremony was regarded as one of the most magnificent events as it celebrated 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture.

During the event in China's capital, 43 world and 132 Olympic records were set with 87 different countries and regions winning medals.

On the first day of competitions, China began its medal haul with Pang Wei coming out on top in the men's 10 meter air pistol.

Michael Phelps sets a new world record and wins the gold in the final of the men's 400-meter individual medley at the Beijing 2008 Olympics. / VCG Photo

Swimmer Michael Phelps became the first man to win eight gold medals in a single Olympics, while Usain Bolt stood on top of the podium twice after clinching gold in the 100 and 200 meter sprint.

Matthias Steiner, Olympic medalist 2008 in the Class above 105kg dedicates success to his deceased Wife Susann. /VCG Photo

German weightlifter Matthias Steiner gave the games one of its most touching moments after standing victorious on the podium with a photo of his late wife who sadly died in a car accident the previous year.

Chinese athlete Liu Xiang withdraws from the 110m hurdles due to injury at Beijing Summer Olympic Games. / VCG Photo

Some Chinese fans were disappointed not to see hurdler Liu Xiang who withdrew due to an injury. Oksana Chu-sovitina touched hearts around the globe by competing at the age of 33 for her son who suffered from leukemia in the women's all-around.

The home team came away with 48 golds and became the first Asian country to finish top of the medal table.

Logo of 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games / VCG Photo

The 2008 Olympics left a massive legacy, and with the upcoming 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, the city is set to use 11 venues and stadiums that was also used 10 years ago. Beijing will become the first city to host both versions of the Olympics, with the legacy of the Summer Olympics 10 years ago, continuing on four years from now.