The Jamaican sprinter stunned the world by breaking the 100 m world record in 9.69 seconds and the 200 m world record in 19.30 seconds, becoming the first man to hold both titles at the same Olympics since Carl Lewis in 1984.
Usain Bolt's world records in 100 m and 200 m
The American swimmer surpassed Mark Spitz's record of seven gold medals in a single Olympics by winning eight events, including the thrilling 4×100 m freestyle relay and the 100 m butterfly, where he edged out Serbia's Milorad Cavic by 0.01 seconds.
Michael Phelps' eight gold medals in swimming
The spectacular show, directed by Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou, featured 15,000 performers, 29,000 fireworks, and a dazzling display of Chinese culture, history, and artistry.
Opening ceremony at the Bird's Nest stadium
The Chinese star, who won the gold medal in Athens in 2004 and was the world record holder, pulled out of his first-round heat due to an Achilles injury, devastating millions of his fans and the host nation, who had hoped for his repeat victory.
Liu Xiang's withdrawal from the 110 m hurdles
The Russian pole vaulter, who was already the Olympic champion and the world record holder, raised the bar to 5.05 m, becoming the first woman to clear the five-meter mark and breaking her own record for the 24th time.
Yelena Isinbayeva's pole vault world record