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London Mayor Boris Johnson collects the Olympic flag
"These were truly exceptional Games."
Jacques Rogge
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The Beijing Olympics concluded on Sunday after 16 action-packed days.
The 2008 Games will forever be linked with the performance of two athletes - American swimmer Michael Phelps and Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt.
Phelps claimed eight gold medals in the pool to surpass the achievements of compatriot Mark Spitz, who won seven at the 1972 Games in Munich.
Just as impressive was Bolt, who lived up to his 'Lightning' moniker by scorching to victory in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay - all in world record times.
In four years it will be London's turn to act as hosts and, following the superb performance of Team GB in Beijing, the stage is firmly set for another wonderful festival of sport.
Australia beaten
Britain collected 19 golds, their best performance for a century, to finish fourth in the medals table above traditional sporting rivals Germany and Australia.
The track cyclists, led by triple champion Chris Hoy, cleaned up seven of the 10 available titles at the velodrome, while 19-year-old Rebecca Adlington did the 400m and 800m freestyle double in the swimming pool and 400m runner Christine Ohuruogu defied her critics with Britain's solitary athletics triumph.
Mayor of London Boris Johnson collected the Olympic flag during Sunday afternoon's closing ceremony to officially signify the moment his city took over as hosts.
The closing ceremony was a spectacular affair and included an eight-minute slot - featuring David Beckham, pop icon Leona Lewis and rock star Jimmy Page among others - dedicated to the incoming hosts.
Glorious
International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge told the 91,000 people inside the Bird's Nest stadium: "Tonight, we come to the end of 16 glorious days which we will cherish forever.
"Thank you to the people of China.
"New stars were born. Stars from past Games amazed us again. We shared their joys and their tears, and we marvelled at their ability. We will long remember the achievements we witnessed here.
"These were truly exceptional Games.
"And now, in accordance with tradition, I declare the Games of the 29th [XXIX] Olympiad closed, and I call upon the youth of the world to assemble four years from now in London to celebrate the Games of the 30th [XXX] Olympiad."
