Ten years ago Wednesday, 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 getting involved in sports, as the legacy of that event lives on. Mike Fox looks back at what inspired the people.

On August 8th, 2008, a row of 29 fireworks which represented the 29th edition of the modern Olympics, were set off to mark the start of the Beijing games. The breath-taking opening ceremony was regarded as one of the most beautiful in the events history as it celebrated 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture.

During the event in China's capital, 43 new world and 132 new Olympic records were set with 87 different countries and regions winning medals. 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. 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. Some Chinese fans were disappointed not to see hurdler Liu Xiang who withdrew because of injury. Oksana Chusovitina touched hearts around the globe by competing at 33 years old for her son who suffered from leukemia in the women's all-around. 

China had a breakthrough in many sports and the home team were able to come away with 48 golds. They became the first Asian country to finish top of the medal table. These Olympic have left a massive legacy with the 2022 Winter Olympics in the city set to use 11 venues and stadiums which were used ten years ago. Beijing will become the first city to host both versions of the Olympics meaning the history of those summer games is set to continue. Mike Fox, CGTN.