Beijing games highs and lows

The undoubted star of the first week was US swimming sensation Michael Phelps, who powered his way to a record eight golds in a single games. That brought his career tally to 14 Olympic golds - five more than any Olympian in history [GALLO/GETTY]

China's gymnasts found a place in the host nation's hearts, with both the men's and women's teams scoring gold. But there was controversy over whether some of the Chinese women's team were underage [GALLO/GETTY]

Britain's Chris Hoy dominated the men's cycling, securing three gold medals for himself and helping to push Britain up the medal table [GALLO/GETTY]

Afghanistan's Rohullah Nikpai defeated men's under-58kg taekwondo champion Juan Antonio Ramos of Spain to take the bronze medal - Afghanistan's first ever Olympic medal. Nikpai said afterwards that he hoped his medal would "send a message of peace to my country after 30 years of war" [AFP]

August 15 saw controversy in the wrestling as Sweden's Ara Abrahamian threw down his bronze medal in protest at what he said was "political judging". In response the IOC ordered him to be stripped of his unwanted medal [AFP]

Day eight of the games saw track and field events get into full swing, as Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt lit up the Bird's Nest stadium, powering his way to gold in the men's 100m in a new world record time. Bolt went on to claim gold and new world records in the 200m and 4x100m relay [GALLO/GETTY]

Jamaica also saw a glittering 100m in the women's final, with Shelly-Ann Fraser taking gold and teammates Sherone Simpson and Kerron Stewart tieing for silver [GALLO/GETTY]

Dreams of Beijing gold were shortlived for Chinese hurdler Liu Xiang, who left the track in his first round heat without jumping a single hurdle. Liu had been China's biggest hope for a track medal in Beijing [GALLO/GETTY]

Russia's Yelena Isinbayeva gave a thrilling finale to the women's pole vault, setting a new world record of 5.05 metres [GALLO/GETTY]