BEIJING (Reuters) - Pro-Tibetan activists unfurled a banner proclaiming "Free Tibet" over an Olympics poster at the headquarters of China's nationwide TV broadcaster on Friday.
Members of Students for a Free Tibet displayed their banner for half an hour at China Central Television's new headquarters before police arrived and detained five activists, three Americans, one Briton and one Australian-Canadian.
Beijing is sensitive to protests against its rule in Tibet, where security has been stepped up since riots in March. Friday's stunt came after five members of the same New York-based group chained their bicycles and blocked the entrance to another Beijing landmark, the Ethnic Culture Park.
Beijing, which has tightened security in the city to prevent such protests, says followers of the Dalai Lama, Tibet's exiled Buddhist leader, fomented protests and riots across the mountain region in March in a bid to derail the Olympics.
The Dalai Lama rejects those accusations.
(For more stories visit our multimedia website "2008 Summer Olympics" at http://www.reuters.com/news/sports/2008olympics; and see our blog at http://blogs.reuters.com/china)
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Beijing stars are heroes but we can be winners too, says Joe Cole
Joe Cole last night admitted the pressure of expectation has overcome England too many times - and it's time to restore the country's faith.
The build-up to England's opening friendly of the season against the Czech Republic tomorrow has been overshadowed by Britain's Olympic success in Beijing.
Such an array of medals has only served to reinforce the feeling of failure that led the FA to beat a path to Fabio Capello's door last December.
But while Chelsea midfielder Cole is convinced the Fabio factor will start to rub off ahead of next month's World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Croatia, he admitted that optimism in the national team had rarely been so low. "I'm still embarrassed about the European Championships," said Cole.
"We let ourselves down and we have to start winning on a regular basis.
"For the last week or so I've loved watching the Brits do well at the Olympics.
"We are like everyone else - we want them to win and get golds. Of course you get the comparisons with us. It is all relative.
"But when you step out onto that football pitch it isn't about money - it's about pride and performance, like any other sport. It shouldn't be about how much money you get paid but how much desire you show.
"Now we have to achieve and win - and then it won't matter what other sports do.
"The main thing for England is that you need players who can play under pressure, who can do it under the spotlight, because you know there's a lot of criticism waiting from the public.
"You've got to deal with that.
That's the hardest obstacle we've got to get over as a team - to learn to play under that intense pressure.
England have to get over that psychological barrier. It doesn't mean you'll play well every time.
The build-up to England's opening friendly of the season against the Czech Republic tomorrow has been overshadowed by Britain's Olympic success in Beijing.
Such an array of medals has only served to reinforce the feeling of failure that led the FA to beat a path to Fabio Capello's door last December.
But while Chelsea midfielder Cole is convinced the Fabio factor will start to rub off ahead of next month's World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Croatia, he admitted that optimism in the national team had rarely been so low. "I'm still embarrassed about the European Championships," said Cole.
"We let ourselves down and we have to start winning on a regular basis.
"For the last week or so I've loved watching the Brits do well at the Olympics.
"We are like everyone else - we want them to win and get golds. Of course you get the comparisons with us. It is all relative.
"But when you step out onto that football pitch it isn't about money - it's about pride and performance, like any other sport. It shouldn't be about how much money you get paid but how much desire you show.
"Now we have to achieve and win - and then it won't matter what other sports do.
"The main thing for England is that you need players who can play under pressure, who can do it under the spotlight, because you know there's a lot of criticism waiting from the public.
"You've got to deal with that.
That's the hardest obstacle we've got to get over as a team - to learn to play under that intense pressure.
England have to get over that psychological barrier. It doesn't mean you'll play well every time.
Beijing sends Mugabe packing
ZIMBABWE'S President, Robert Mugabe, has been forced to return home following intense political pressure from the Chinese Communist Party not to attend Friday night's opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games.
The Herald understands high-powered lobbying from political leaders who will be attending the ceremony prompted the highest levels of the Chinese Government to convince him not to attend. It is understood he had arrived in Hong Kong on Sunday but could get no further.
The two countries have a close relationship and it took intense persuasion to convince Mr Mugabe to return to Zimbabwe and not cause embarrassment to the host country.
A Mugabe spokesman, George Charamba, wrote in a Zimbabwean newspaper: "President Mugabe attaches great importance to the ongoing talks [between the Government and Opposition], which is why he is not going to China for the grand opening of the Olympics."
The US President, George Bush, and the Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, will be among heads of state attending the opening ceremony. The pro-Tibet supporter and Tour de France runner-up Cadel Evans will respect the Olympic rules and not protest at Games venues, says the Australian Olympic Committee president, John Coates.
The Herald understands high-powered lobbying from political leaders who will be attending the ceremony prompted the highest levels of the Chinese Government to convince him not to attend. It is understood he had arrived in Hong Kong on Sunday but could get no further.
The two countries have a close relationship and it took intense persuasion to convince Mr Mugabe to return to Zimbabwe and not cause embarrassment to the host country.
A Mugabe spokesman, George Charamba, wrote in a Zimbabwean newspaper: "President Mugabe attaches great importance to the ongoing talks [between the Government and Opposition], which is why he is not going to China for the grand opening of the Olympics."
The US President, George Bush, and the Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, will be among heads of state attending the opening ceremony. The pro-Tibet supporter and Tour de France runner-up Cadel Evans will respect the Olympic rules and not protest at Games venues, says the Australian Olympic Committee president, John Coates.
Wallace looking forward to 2012 Games
Australian dual kayak medallist Ken Wallace says he did not expect to be so successful at his first Olympic Games.
Wallace won the final of the K1 500 metres race yesterday after taking bronze in the 1km race on Friday.
He says he had not thought beyond making it to the games.
"A couple of years ago or a year, I was thinking 'OK yeah, Beijing's going to be good, if I make the team I'll be stoked," he said.
"Now I'm a gold and bronze medallist, I'm ecstatic so I'm looking forward to London and I can't wait to see what I get then."
Wallace beat Canada's Adam van Koeverden and Britain's Tim Brabants in the 500m final and says he would love to race them both again in 2012.
"If Tim's still around - and I'm quite sure he will be - and we get to race off again. I know Adam will be there for sure and we can just do it all over again."
sport, olympics-summer, canoeing-and-kayaking, australia, qld, southport-4215, china
Wallace won the final of the K1 500 metres race yesterday after taking bronze in the 1km race on Friday.
He says he had not thought beyond making it to the games.
"A couple of years ago or a year, I was thinking 'OK yeah, Beijing's going to be good, if I make the team I'll be stoked," he said.
"Now I'm a gold and bronze medallist, I'm ecstatic so I'm looking forward to London and I can't wait to see what I get then."
Wallace beat Canada's Adam van Koeverden and Britain's Tim Brabants in the 500m final and says he would love to race them both again in 2012.
"If Tim's still around - and I'm quite sure he will be - and we get to race off again. I know Adam will be there for sure and we can just do it all over again."
sport, olympics-summer, canoeing-and-kayaking, australia, qld, southport-4215, china
Mitcham gold spoils Chinese party
Posted Sat Aug 23, 2008 11:47pm AEST Updated 8 hours 21 minutes ago
Slideshow: Photo 1 of 2
Australia's Matthew Mitcham kisses his gold medal. (Getty Images: Jamie Squire)
Video: Matthew Mitcham spoke to reporters outside the Water Cube shortly after receiving his gold medal. (ABC)
Video: Mitcham steals diving gold (ABC News)
Audio: Interview: Matthew Mitcham (Local Highlight)
Related Story: Wallace takes gold in K1 500m
Related Link: View historical results of men's 10m platform diving
Australia's Matthew Mitcham has snatched gold from Chinese favourite Zhou Luxin on his final dive to win the men's 10 metres platform and deny China a sweep of all eight diving golds at the Beijing Games.
The 20-year-old trailed Zhou through the first five dives and was more than 30 points adrift prior to the final dive.
Zhou, perhaps feeling the weight of a nation's expectations, fluffed his final dive, a reverse three-and-a-half somersault.
World number three Mitcham nailed a sublime back two-and-a-half somersault with two-and-a-half twists, with a 3.8 degree of difficulty, achieving four perfect 10s.
He finished with 537.95 points to claim the gold and Zhou was left with a silver medal with 533.15 points.
"It's going to take a while to sink in," Mitcham said.
"My cheeks hurt from smiling, my face hurts from the chlorine, my legs are sore from jumping up and down.
"I'm in pain and I'm tired, but I'm so happy."
Zhou admitted he had started to become nervous in front of his home crowd.
"At the beginning I wasn't nervous, so I started well," Zhou said.
"The last dive was not as good as I could have done because I started to get nervous."
World champion Gleb Galperin of Russia snagged the bronze with 525.80 points as China's Huo Liang, first after the semi-finals, was shut out of the medals in fourth.
China, with seven titles already in the bag, was trying to become the first country since 1952 to win every diving gold on offer at a Games.
Australia's other competitor Mathew Helm finished in sixth, unable to add to his silver medal in the event in Athens four years ago.
Mitcham has become the first Australian man to win a diving gold medal since 1924.
Mitcham says he is completely surprised by his win.
"I'm going to watch the footage when I get home and I suppose I'll be impressed then because I don't even know how I dived, I don't even know what scores I got," he said.
"Because you just, you're not really in there. In the moment. You're just concentrating on your dive so much."
Slideshow: Photo 1 of 2
Australia's Matthew Mitcham kisses his gold medal. (Getty Images: Jamie Squire)
Video: Matthew Mitcham spoke to reporters outside the Water Cube shortly after receiving his gold medal. (ABC)
Video: Mitcham steals diving gold (ABC News)
Audio: Interview: Matthew Mitcham (Local Highlight)
Related Story: Wallace takes gold in K1 500m
Related Link: View historical results of men's 10m platform diving
Australia's Matthew Mitcham has snatched gold from Chinese favourite Zhou Luxin on his final dive to win the men's 10 metres platform and deny China a sweep of all eight diving golds at the Beijing Games.
The 20-year-old trailed Zhou through the first five dives and was more than 30 points adrift prior to the final dive.
Zhou, perhaps feeling the weight of a nation's expectations, fluffed his final dive, a reverse three-and-a-half somersault.
World number three Mitcham nailed a sublime back two-and-a-half somersault with two-and-a-half twists, with a 3.8 degree of difficulty, achieving four perfect 10s.
He finished with 537.95 points to claim the gold and Zhou was left with a silver medal with 533.15 points.
"It's going to take a while to sink in," Mitcham said.
"My cheeks hurt from smiling, my face hurts from the chlorine, my legs are sore from jumping up and down.
"I'm in pain and I'm tired, but I'm so happy."
Zhou admitted he had started to become nervous in front of his home crowd.
"At the beginning I wasn't nervous, so I started well," Zhou said.
"The last dive was not as good as I could have done because I started to get nervous."
World champion Gleb Galperin of Russia snagged the bronze with 525.80 points as China's Huo Liang, first after the semi-finals, was shut out of the medals in fourth.
China, with seven titles already in the bag, was trying to become the first country since 1952 to win every diving gold on offer at a Games.
Australia's other competitor Mathew Helm finished in sixth, unable to add to his silver medal in the event in Athens four years ago.
Mitcham has become the first Australian man to win a diving gold medal since 1924.
Mitcham says he is completely surprised by his win.
"I'm going to watch the footage when I get home and I suppose I'll be impressed then because I don't even know how I dived, I don't even know what scores I got," he said.
"Because you just, you're not really in there. In the moment. You're just concentrating on your dive so much."
Tennis: ATP and WTA results from New Haven - collated
23 August 2008© 2008 AFP
Results in the ATP and WTA tournaments here on Friday (x denotes seed):
Women
Semi-finals
Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) bt Alize Cornet (FRA x7) 7-5, 6-4
Anna Chakvetadze (RUS x1) bt Amelie Mauresmo (FRA) 6-3, 3-6, 6-1
Men
Semi-finals
Mardy Fish (USA x8) bt Fernando Verdasco (ESP x1) 6-0, 1-6, 6-3
Marin Cilic (CRO x6) bt Luka Gregorc (SLO) 6-3, 6-3
Results in the ATP and WTA tournaments here on Friday (x denotes seed):
Women
Semi-finals
Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) bt Alize Cornet (FRA x7) 7-5, 6-4
Anna Chakvetadze (RUS x1) bt Amelie Mauresmo (FRA) 6-3, 3-6, 6-1
Men
Semi-finals
Mardy Fish (USA x8) bt Fernando Verdasco (ESP x1) 6-0, 1-6, 6-3
Marin Cilic (CRO x6) bt Luka Gregorc (SLO) 6-3, 6-3
Olympics: Rhythmic gymnastics group results
24 August 2008© 2008 AFP
Olympic rhythmic gymnastics results on Sunday:
Women's group competition (final)
1. Russia 35,550 pts
(Aliychuk, Gavrilenko, Gorbunova, Posevina, Shkurikhina, Zueva)
2. China 35,225
(Cai, Chou, Li, Sui, Sun, Zhang)
3. Belarus 34,900
(Babushkina, Ivankova, Lunina, Martinovich, Sankovich, Tumilovich)
4. Italy 34,425
(Blanchi, D'Ottavio, Falca, Masseroni, Santoni, Savrayuk)
5. Bulgaria 33,550
(Kousseva, Manolova, Marinova, Paunovska, Tantcheva, Tongova)
6. Israel 32,100
(Dvornichenko, Pisetsky, Savenkov, Vigchorchik, Vitenberg)
7. Azerbaijan 31,575
(Bitieva, Gorina, Huseynova, Prasolova, Trepina, Yegay)
8. Ukraine 31,100
(Cherepenina, Dmytrash, Maksymenko, Perederiy, Slobodyan, Zubchenko)
Olympic rhythmic gymnastics results on Sunday:
Women's group competition (final)
1. Russia 35,550 pts
(Aliychuk, Gavrilenko, Gorbunova, Posevina, Shkurikhina, Zueva)
2. China 35,225
(Cai, Chou, Li, Sui, Sun, Zhang)
3. Belarus 34,900
(Babushkina, Ivankova, Lunina, Martinovich, Sankovich, Tumilovich)
4. Italy 34,425
(Blanchi, D'Ottavio, Falca, Masseroni, Santoni, Savrayuk)
5. Bulgaria 33,550
(Kousseva, Manolova, Marinova, Paunovska, Tantcheva, Tongova)
6. Israel 32,100
(Dvornichenko, Pisetsky, Savenkov, Vigchorchik, Vitenberg)
7. Azerbaijan 31,575
(Bitieva, Gorina, Huseynova, Prasolova, Trepina, Yegay)
8. Ukraine 31,100
(Cherepenina, Dmytrash, Maksymenko, Perederiy, Slobodyan, Zubchenko)
BEIJING GAMES: FACTS AND FIGURES
24 August 2008
Sport — Amazing Venues, Amazing Results
· A record 204 NOCs participating; record number of women participating
· 132 Olympic records, 43 world records (as of 24/8 at 9:30)
· A record 87 NOCs join medal count — the most ever
· First-ever medals for Afghanistan, Mauritius, Tajikistan and Togo; first-ever gold medals for Bahrain, Mongolia and Panama; first individual gold for India
· Rave reviews for venues, Olympic Village, transportation and Games organization
International Popularity — On Track To Become the Most-Watched Games in History
· More broadcast coverage to more people in more regions than ever
· First Olympic Games in history to have global digital coverage
· Record TV ratings in U.S. and China
· Record traffic to Games-related Web sites
· More visitors to IOC’s site in first week than during entire 2004 Games; site has received over 5 million unique visitors so far (compared to 2.8 million unique visitors during 2004, total)
· 16.5 million views on IOC’s digital channel (YouTube), across Africa, Asia and the Middle East
Olympic Magic — Memorable Moments
· Opening Ceremony awes international audience — Record audiences across the world’s major markets. 80 percent audience share in China. 50 percent share in U.S. and major European markets.
· Phelps wins eight gold medals
· Bolt streaks across finish line twice in 100-m and 200-m
· Georgian and Russian embrace at shooting range
· A half-million enthusiastic Chinese volunteers welcome Olympic visitors
Meeting Challenges
Doping
- Zero tolerance gets results; nearly 40 cheaters caught before the Games, 4 cheaters caught by IOC during Games
- Record number of athletes tested, stringent new testing requirements
Air Quality
- Competition opened on second consecutive day of Grade I air quality, a decade-long record for Beijing
- In the other 8 days, Beijing's air quality was Grade II, which still fell well within WHO and IOC standards
- Stringent monitoring protects athletes’ health
Attendance
- Attendance has more than tripled since the start of the Beijing Games
Sport — Amazing Venues, Amazing Results
· A record 204 NOCs participating; record number of women participating
· 132 Olympic records, 43 world records (as of 24/8 at 9:30)
· A record 87 NOCs join medal count — the most ever
· First-ever medals for Afghanistan, Mauritius, Tajikistan and Togo; first-ever gold medals for Bahrain, Mongolia and Panama; first individual gold for India
· Rave reviews for venues, Olympic Village, transportation and Games organization
International Popularity — On Track To Become the Most-Watched Games in History
· More broadcast coverage to more people in more regions than ever
· First Olympic Games in history to have global digital coverage
· Record TV ratings in U.S. and China
· Record traffic to Games-related Web sites
· More visitors to IOC’s site in first week than during entire 2004 Games; site has received over 5 million unique visitors so far (compared to 2.8 million unique visitors during 2004, total)
· 16.5 million views on IOC’s digital channel (YouTube), across Africa, Asia and the Middle East
Olympic Magic — Memorable Moments
· Opening Ceremony awes international audience — Record audiences across the world’s major markets. 80 percent audience share in China. 50 percent share in U.S. and major European markets.
· Phelps wins eight gold medals
· Bolt streaks across finish line twice in 100-m and 200-m
· Georgian and Russian embrace at shooting range
· A half-million enthusiastic Chinese volunteers welcome Olympic visitors
Meeting Challenges
Doping
- Zero tolerance gets results; nearly 40 cheaters caught before the Games, 4 cheaters caught by IOC during Games
- Record number of athletes tested, stringent new testing requirements
Air Quality
- Competition opened on second consecutive day of Grade I air quality, a decade-long record for Beijing
- In the other 8 days, Beijing's air quality was Grade II, which still fell well within WHO and IOC standards
- Stringent monitoring protects athletes’ health
Attendance
- Attendance has more than tripled since the start of the Beijing Games
Olympic firsts - new countries on the Olympic map
24 August 2008
China‘s medal sweep has so far marked the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. However, other countries also managed a breakthrough – not as impressive as the Chinese domination - but still important for their respective countries.
Afghanistan,Togo, Tajikistan and Mauritius on the map Afghanistan,Togo, Tajikistan and Mauritius made it onto the Olympic medal tally for the first time. Rohullah Nikpai, a taekwondo athlete from Afghanistan and Olympic Solidarity scholarship holder, won his countries first ever Olympic medal in any sport by winning bronze in the men’s under 58kg competition yesterday..Tajik Boqiev Rasul won the bonze medal in the men’s 73kg judo competition. Benjamin Boukpeti was the first canoeist to represent Africa at the Olympic Games. In Beijing, he planned on becoming the first to win a medal and he made it. Boukpeti, an Olympic Solidarity scholarship holder, won the bronze medal. Mauritius’ Bruni Julie won the quarter-final in the bantam boxing competition and is assured at least a bronze medal for his home country, becoming the first ever Mauritian medallist.
First gold medal Panama made it for the first time onto the highest step of the podium. With his jump to 8.34m, Saladino Aranda joined the only other medallist of his county, Lloyd Lebeach, who took the bronze in the 100m and 200m at the 1948 London Games.
India’s Abhinav Bindra, an other Olympic Scholarship holder, was received as a hero in his home country as India’s first gold medallist in an individual Olympic event. Bindra won the 10m air rifle shooting event. So far India had won gold medals in Olympic field hockey, with a record strike of six gold medals in a row between the Amsterdam Games in 1928 and the Melbourne 1956 Games.
Tunisian swimmer Mellouli Oussama caused a sensation in Beijing by winning the first medal in swimming for his country. It has been the first gold medal for Tunisia since legendary runner Mohamed Gammoudi’s win of gold in Mexico City in 1968, when he beat Kip Keino in the 5,000m distance run.
Other firstsKyrgyzstan has so far doubled its overall medal wins in Beijing. The so far only medallist of the country – Aldyn Smagulov, bronze in judo at the Sydney 2000 Games – has been joined by two wrestlers, Begaliev Kanatbek, silver medallist in men’s Greco-Roman 66kg, and Tiumenbaev Ruslan, bronze medallist in the men’s Greco Roman 60kg event.
Slovakia has won a medal in a non water discipline for the first time ever. So far all medals had been won in canoeing and swimming. Shooter Zuzana Stefeckova changed this fact by winning a silver medal in the women’s trap shooting event.
Singapore won its second medal at the Beijing Games, the first in a team event. The women’s table tennis team composed of Tianwei Feng, Jia Wei Li, Yue Gu Wang and Bei Bei Sun won the silver medal.
For the first time, a male Vietnamese athlete managed to win a medal joining the so far only female medallist, Tran Hieu Ngan, who won silver in the final of the women’s taekwondo featherweight event at the 2000 Sydney Games. Anh Tuan Hoang won the silver medal in the 56kg weightlifting event.
Japan, the inventor of the Keirin cycling discipline, succeeded for the first time since the Sydney Games, when Keirin was introduced to the programme, to win a medal. Kiyofumi Nagai won the men’s bronze medal.
Source:
China‘s medal sweep has so far marked the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. However, other countries also managed a breakthrough – not as impressive as the Chinese domination - but still important for their respective countries.
Afghanistan,Togo, Tajikistan and Mauritius on the map Afghanistan,Togo, Tajikistan and Mauritius made it onto the Olympic medal tally for the first time. Rohullah Nikpai, a taekwondo athlete from Afghanistan and Olympic Solidarity scholarship holder, won his countries first ever Olympic medal in any sport by winning bronze in the men’s under 58kg competition yesterday..Tajik Boqiev Rasul won the bonze medal in the men’s 73kg judo competition. Benjamin Boukpeti was the first canoeist to represent Africa at the Olympic Games. In Beijing, he planned on becoming the first to win a medal and he made it. Boukpeti, an Olympic Solidarity scholarship holder, won the bronze medal. Mauritius’ Bruni Julie won the quarter-final in the bantam boxing competition and is assured at least a bronze medal for his home country, becoming the first ever Mauritian medallist.
First gold medal Panama made it for the first time onto the highest step of the podium. With his jump to 8.34m, Saladino Aranda joined the only other medallist of his county, Lloyd Lebeach, who took the bronze in the 100m and 200m at the 1948 London Games.
India’s Abhinav Bindra, an other Olympic Scholarship holder, was received as a hero in his home country as India’s first gold medallist in an individual Olympic event. Bindra won the 10m air rifle shooting event. So far India had won gold medals in Olympic field hockey, with a record strike of six gold medals in a row between the Amsterdam Games in 1928 and the Melbourne 1956 Games.
Tunisian swimmer Mellouli Oussama caused a sensation in Beijing by winning the first medal in swimming for his country. It has been the first gold medal for Tunisia since legendary runner Mohamed Gammoudi’s win of gold in Mexico City in 1968, when he beat Kip Keino in the 5,000m distance run.
Other firstsKyrgyzstan has so far doubled its overall medal wins in Beijing. The so far only medallist of the country – Aldyn Smagulov, bronze in judo at the Sydney 2000 Games – has been joined by two wrestlers, Begaliev Kanatbek, silver medallist in men’s Greco-Roman 66kg, and Tiumenbaev Ruslan, bronze medallist in the men’s Greco Roman 60kg event.
Slovakia has won a medal in a non water discipline for the first time ever. So far all medals had been won in canoeing and swimming. Shooter Zuzana Stefeckova changed this fact by winning a silver medal in the women’s trap shooting event.
Singapore won its second medal at the Beijing Games, the first in a team event. The women’s table tennis team composed of Tianwei Feng, Jia Wei Li, Yue Gu Wang and Bei Bei Sun won the silver medal.
For the first time, a male Vietnamese athlete managed to win a medal joining the so far only female medallist, Tran Hieu Ngan, who won silver in the final of the women’s taekwondo featherweight event at the 2000 Sydney Games. Anh Tuan Hoang won the silver medal in the 56kg weightlifting event.
Japan, the inventor of the Keirin cycling discipline, succeeded for the first time since the Sydney Games, when Keirin was introduced to the programme, to win a medal. Kiyofumi Nagai won the men’s bronze medal.
Source:
The exercise of rhythm and art
24 August 2008
The final two days of the Games witnessed the climax of the rhythmic gymnastics competition, with athletes from eastern Europe coming to the fore just as they did four years ago in Athens when Russia’s Natalia Lavrova became the first to win two gold medals in a women-only discipline that was added to the gymnastics programme in 1984.
Wooden leg
Artistic gymnastics competitions have been present at the Olympic Games since the very start. One of the most remarkable athletes of the St Louis Games in 1904 was American gymnast George Eyser, who won three gold medals, two silvers and one bronze – all with a wooden leg. His leg had been amputated after he was run over by a train.
Remarkable Larysa
LatyninaIn 1956 in Melbourne, the Ukrainian Viktor Chukarin earned five medals, including three gold, to bring his career total to 11 (seven gold), while Agnes Keleti of Hungary reached 10 medals by winning four gold and two silver. Eight years later in Tokyo, another Ukrainian, Larysa Latynina, brought her career total to an incredible 18 medals, which is still unbeaten, and, until Michael Phelps re-wrote the record books this year, Latynina was also one of only four athletes in any sport to win nine gold medals.
Olympic weddings
The 1964 Games also witnessed the first Olympic wedding, when Bulgarian gymnast Nikolai Prodanov and long jumper Diana Yorgova exchanged vows in the Olympic Village. It set a trend. In 1968, Czech gymnast Vera Èáslavská won four gold medals and two silvers and then, to the delight of 10,000 well-wishers, was married in Mexico City during the Olympic Games.
Korbut and Comãneci
Four years later in Munich, tiny Olga Korbut from Belarus captivated audiences with her cycle of success in the team competition, failure in the individual competition and renewed success in the apparatus finals. In Montreal in 1976, on the uneven bars, the 14-year-old Romanian Nadia Comãneci was awarded the first-ever perfect score of 10.0. She earned seven 10.0s as well as three gold, one silver and one bronze medal.
One record
Phelps couldn’t beatIn Moscow in 1980, Russia’s Nikolai Andrianov won five gold medals to bring his career medal total to a pre-Phelps men’s record of 15, including seven gold, while fellow Russian Aleksandr Dityatin earned a medal in every men’s event to become the only athlete in history to win eight medals at one edition of the Olympic Games – pre-Phelps. Finally, in 1992, Vitaly Scherbo of Belarus won six gold medals, including a record four in one day – and even Phelps didn’t manage that!
more:
The final two days of the Games witnessed the climax of the rhythmic gymnastics competition, with athletes from eastern Europe coming to the fore just as they did four years ago in Athens when Russia’s Natalia Lavrova became the first to win two gold medals in a women-only discipline that was added to the gymnastics programme in 1984.
Wooden leg
Artistic gymnastics competitions have been present at the Olympic Games since the very start. One of the most remarkable athletes of the St Louis Games in 1904 was American gymnast George Eyser, who won three gold medals, two silvers and one bronze – all with a wooden leg. His leg had been amputated after he was run over by a train.
Remarkable Larysa
LatyninaIn 1956 in Melbourne, the Ukrainian Viktor Chukarin earned five medals, including three gold, to bring his career total to 11 (seven gold), while Agnes Keleti of Hungary reached 10 medals by winning four gold and two silver. Eight years later in Tokyo, another Ukrainian, Larysa Latynina, brought her career total to an incredible 18 medals, which is still unbeaten, and, until Michael Phelps re-wrote the record books this year, Latynina was also one of only four athletes in any sport to win nine gold medals.
Olympic weddings
The 1964 Games also witnessed the first Olympic wedding, when Bulgarian gymnast Nikolai Prodanov and long jumper Diana Yorgova exchanged vows in the Olympic Village. It set a trend. In 1968, Czech gymnast Vera Èáslavská won four gold medals and two silvers and then, to the delight of 10,000 well-wishers, was married in Mexico City during the Olympic Games.
Korbut and Comãneci
Four years later in Munich, tiny Olga Korbut from Belarus captivated audiences with her cycle of success in the team competition, failure in the individual competition and renewed success in the apparatus finals. In Montreal in 1976, on the uneven bars, the 14-year-old Romanian Nadia Comãneci was awarded the first-ever perfect score of 10.0. She earned seven 10.0s as well as three gold, one silver and one bronze medal.
One record
Phelps couldn’t beatIn Moscow in 1980, Russia’s Nikolai Andrianov won five gold medals to bring his career medal total to a pre-Phelps men’s record of 15, including seven gold, while fellow Russian Aleksandr Dityatin earned a medal in every men’s event to become the only athlete in history to win eight medals at one edition of the Olympic Games – pre-Phelps. Finally, in 1992, Vitaly Scherbo of Belarus won six gold medals, including a record four in one day – and even Phelps didn’t manage that!
more:
IOC President Remarks to the 120th IOC Session
24 August 2008
We are nearing the end of the XXIX Olympiad and these remarkable Olympic Games. We have seen achievements over the past two weeks that we will remember for the rest of our lives.
It has been a long journey since our decision in July 2001 to bring the Olympic Games to China, but there can now be no doubt that we made the right choice. Thank you for your support and your help.
There are so many people to thank — the IOC Executive Board; Hein Verbruggen and his colleagues on the Coordination Commission; Gilbert Felli, our executive director of the Games, and the IOC staff; our partners at BOCOG; the Chinese government; and all of our Chinese friends who worked so hard to make these Games successful. Thanks also to the IOC members from China, Zhenliang He and Zaiqing Yu, for their invaluable assistance.
To hundreds of thousands of enthusiastic volunteers, we have heard you say it many times, now it is my turn to say: Thank you for your cooperation! We will leave China with warm memories of your smiles, your enthusiasm and your eager willingness to help. You are the future of China. We wish you the best.
The list of accomplishments at these Games reflects the high level of competition and the universality of the Olympic Movement.
A record 204 National Olympic Committees participated the Games.
87 National Olympic Committees had medal winners;
Women athletes participated in record numbers — about 45 percent of the athletes were women.
The athletes set more than 40 world records and more than 120 Olympic records.
We had more broadcast coverage to more people, in more places than ever.
We had global digital coverage for the first time.
These are likely to be the most widely watched Games in Olympic history.
Of course, statistics tell only part of the story.
The Games are not just a showcase for the world’s best competitions and athletes. They help break barriers and overcome differences. These Games were historic because they were held in the world’s most populous nation for the first time. One-fifth of the world’s population was exposed to Olympic values in a way that they never had experienced before.
The world learned more about China, and China learned more about the rest of the world. And together, we shared the excitement and drama of the Games.
We are first and foremost an organization devoted to sport, but it is sport with a purpose. Placing sport at the service of mankind and leveraging Olympic values to promote better understanding between people, nations and religions stands at the core of our mission.
The IOC and the Olympic Games cannot force changes on sovereign nations or solve all the ills of the world. But we can — and we do — contribute to positive change through sport.
Some of the changes in China are obvious today. Others will become apparent with time.
The many improvements to mass transit and public infrastructure for the Games will improve the quality of life and environmental conditions in Beijing for years to come.
The Games have also significantly heightened awareness of environmental issues, leading to major advances in the areas of energy consumption, sustainable water consumption, waste management and air quality.
The legacy of these Games for China is ultimately up to the Chinese people. The changes that are transforming this remarkable nation did not start with the Olympic Games and they will not end with the closing ceremony.
The Games have been a dream fulfilled and a source of inspiration for a generation of young Chinese people. Some of the friendly volunteers we have met over the past two weeks will be tomorrow’s leaders. They have emerged from this experience with new confidence and a better understanding of Olympic values. That may ultimately the greatest legacy of these Games.
We will all leave China with our personal list of special moments. The spectacular performances of Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt were certainly unforgettable.
But there were many other moving scenes: the embrace of rival competitors from nations in conflict, the unfortunate injury of Liu Xiang, the tears of joy from athletes who have overcome personal tragedies and hardship.
We will cherish these moments, but we cannot simply file away our experiences. As we look to Vancouver 2010, London 2012 and Sochi 2014, we must always remember our responsibility to keep the Olympic dream alive for future generations in all parts of the world. Let us leave China with a renewed dedication to our task.
Thank you, colleagues;
Thank you, China.
Post by:
We are nearing the end of the XXIX Olympiad and these remarkable Olympic Games. We have seen achievements over the past two weeks that we will remember for the rest of our lives.
It has been a long journey since our decision in July 2001 to bring the Olympic Games to China, but there can now be no doubt that we made the right choice. Thank you for your support and your help.
There are so many people to thank — the IOC Executive Board; Hein Verbruggen and his colleagues on the Coordination Commission; Gilbert Felli, our executive director of the Games, and the IOC staff; our partners at BOCOG; the Chinese government; and all of our Chinese friends who worked so hard to make these Games successful. Thanks also to the IOC members from China, Zhenliang He and Zaiqing Yu, for their invaluable assistance.
To hundreds of thousands of enthusiastic volunteers, we have heard you say it many times, now it is my turn to say: Thank you for your cooperation! We will leave China with warm memories of your smiles, your enthusiasm and your eager willingness to help. You are the future of China. We wish you the best.
The list of accomplishments at these Games reflects the high level of competition and the universality of the Olympic Movement.
A record 204 National Olympic Committees participated the Games.
87 National Olympic Committees had medal winners;
Women athletes participated in record numbers — about 45 percent of the athletes were women.
The athletes set more than 40 world records and more than 120 Olympic records.
We had more broadcast coverage to more people, in more places than ever.
We had global digital coverage for the first time.
These are likely to be the most widely watched Games in Olympic history.
Of course, statistics tell only part of the story.
The Games are not just a showcase for the world’s best competitions and athletes. They help break barriers and overcome differences. These Games were historic because they were held in the world’s most populous nation for the first time. One-fifth of the world’s population was exposed to Olympic values in a way that they never had experienced before.
The world learned more about China, and China learned more about the rest of the world. And together, we shared the excitement and drama of the Games.
We are first and foremost an organization devoted to sport, but it is sport with a purpose. Placing sport at the service of mankind and leveraging Olympic values to promote better understanding between people, nations and religions stands at the core of our mission.
The IOC and the Olympic Games cannot force changes on sovereign nations or solve all the ills of the world. But we can — and we do — contribute to positive change through sport.
Some of the changes in China are obvious today. Others will become apparent with time.
The many improvements to mass transit and public infrastructure for the Games will improve the quality of life and environmental conditions in Beijing for years to come.
The Games have also significantly heightened awareness of environmental issues, leading to major advances in the areas of energy consumption, sustainable water consumption, waste management and air quality.
The legacy of these Games for China is ultimately up to the Chinese people. The changes that are transforming this remarkable nation did not start with the Olympic Games and they will not end with the closing ceremony.
The Games have been a dream fulfilled and a source of inspiration for a generation of young Chinese people. Some of the friendly volunteers we have met over the past two weeks will be tomorrow’s leaders. They have emerged from this experience with new confidence and a better understanding of Olympic values. That may ultimately the greatest legacy of these Games.
We will all leave China with our personal list of special moments. The spectacular performances of Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt were certainly unforgettable.
But there were many other moving scenes: the embrace of rival competitors from nations in conflict, the unfortunate injury of Liu Xiang, the tears of joy from athletes who have overcome personal tragedies and hardship.
We will cherish these moments, but we cannot simply file away our experiences. As we look to Vancouver 2010, London 2012 and Sochi 2014, we must always remember our responsibility to keep the Olympic dream alive for future generations in all parts of the world. Let us leave China with a renewed dedication to our task.
Thank you, colleagues;
Thank you, China.
Post by:
From tragedy to triumph: U.S. wins gold
Team USA earns first gold medal in 20 years
Posted Saturday, August 23, 2008 8:58 PM ET
BEIJING (AP) -- The U.S. men's volleyball team won the Olympic gold medal to complete a perfect run in the tournament by beating defending champion Brazil.
The Americans captured their third gold medal in the sport with the 20-25, 25-22, 25-21, 25-23 final victory.
Brazil, the top-ranked team and two-time gold medalists, settled for the silver.
The U.S. run came after coach Hugh McCutcheon's father-in-law was fatally stabbed in Beijing the day before competition started. McCutcheon missed the team's first three games to be with his family.
After the United States clinched the final point, McCutcheon briefly hugged his teammates. Then he buried his head into his hands and quietly walked off the court. He did not return for a long while, and when he did, he embraced veteran Lloy Ball.
Russia won the bronze medal earlier in the day with a three-set victory over Italy.
The U.S. women's volleyball team also came away with a silver medal after losing 3-1 to top-ranked Brazil on Saturday.
The United States won golds in 1984 and 1988 before winning the bronze in Barcelona. They finished fourth in Athens in 2004.
The United States won in Beijing when Clayton Stanley's spike sailed toward Brazilian star Giba, who popped the ball out of bounds.
Videos
McCutcheon interview
Two weeks removed from family tragedy and one victory away from leading the U.S. men's volleyball team to gold, coach Hugh McCutcheon is interviewed by Bob Costas.
Semifinal highlights
U.S. women's volleyball run ends with silver
Men's Semifinal - U.S. vs. Russia
Men's Semifinal - Italy vs. Brazil
Volleyball: Top points from Day 14
Hugh McCutcheon interview
Related Stories
Winning for Hugh
McCutcheon coping in 'tremendously difficult time'
As Giba stayed crouched on the floor in disbelief, the U.S. team rushed onto the court in a group embrace. Ball, a four-time Olympian, then jumped the barrier to the seats, where he hugged his 7-year-old son and his wife.
The Brazilians defeated Italy 3-1 in the semifinals to set up the final match in Beijing. The United States defeated Russia in five sets.
The Brazilian men, who won the gold medal in the 2004 Athens games, dominated international play for most of this decade and were the favorites to win the gold going into the games.
After winning all five matches in the preliminary round, the U.S. men beat Serbia in the quarterfinals 3-2 before the victory over Russia.
It was the first time since the 1984 Los Angeles Games that both the American men and women advanced to the Olympic finals.
But the incredible run opened on a tragic note.
McCutcheon's father in law, Todd Bachman, was killed the day after opening ceremonies by a knife wielding assailant at the 13th-century Drum Tower. Bachman's wife, Barbara, was badly wounded in the attack. The assailant jumped to his death from the tower.
McCutcheon is married to the Bachman's daughter, former Olympian Elisabeth "Wiz" Bachman McCutcheon, who played for the U.S. women in Athens.
The coach left the team to be with his family and missed three matches before his mother-in-law improved and was returned to the United States by air ambulance. Assistant Ron Larsen was interim head coach.
The U.S. men marked their shoes with the initials of Todd and Barbara Bachman during the games. McCutcheon planned to return to the United States immediately following the final match.
Brazil emerged 4-1 from preliminary pool play in Beijing, with a lone loss coming to Russia. They defeated China in the quarterfinals before Italy in the semis.
Posted Saturday, August 23, 2008 8:58 PM ET
BEIJING (AP) -- The U.S. men's volleyball team won the Olympic gold medal to complete a perfect run in the tournament by beating defending champion Brazil.
The Americans captured their third gold medal in the sport with the 20-25, 25-22, 25-21, 25-23 final victory.
Brazil, the top-ranked team and two-time gold medalists, settled for the silver.
The U.S. run came after coach Hugh McCutcheon's father-in-law was fatally stabbed in Beijing the day before competition started. McCutcheon missed the team's first three games to be with his family.
After the United States clinched the final point, McCutcheon briefly hugged his teammates. Then he buried his head into his hands and quietly walked off the court. He did not return for a long while, and when he did, he embraced veteran Lloy Ball.
Russia won the bronze medal earlier in the day with a three-set victory over Italy.
The U.S. women's volleyball team also came away with a silver medal after losing 3-1 to top-ranked Brazil on Saturday.
The United States won golds in 1984 and 1988 before winning the bronze in Barcelona. They finished fourth in Athens in 2004.
The United States won in Beijing when Clayton Stanley's spike sailed toward Brazilian star Giba, who popped the ball out of bounds.
Videos
McCutcheon interview
Two weeks removed from family tragedy and one victory away from leading the U.S. men's volleyball team to gold, coach Hugh McCutcheon is interviewed by Bob Costas.
Semifinal highlights
U.S. women's volleyball run ends with silver
Men's Semifinal - U.S. vs. Russia
Men's Semifinal - Italy vs. Brazil
Volleyball: Top points from Day 14
Hugh McCutcheon interview
Related Stories
Winning for Hugh
McCutcheon coping in 'tremendously difficult time'
As Giba stayed crouched on the floor in disbelief, the U.S. team rushed onto the court in a group embrace. Ball, a four-time Olympian, then jumped the barrier to the seats, where he hugged his 7-year-old son and his wife.
The Brazilians defeated Italy 3-1 in the semifinals to set up the final match in Beijing. The United States defeated Russia in five sets.
The Brazilian men, who won the gold medal in the 2004 Athens games, dominated international play for most of this decade and were the favorites to win the gold going into the games.
After winning all five matches in the preliminary round, the U.S. men beat Serbia in the quarterfinals 3-2 before the victory over Russia.
It was the first time since the 1984 Los Angeles Games that both the American men and women advanced to the Olympic finals.
But the incredible run opened on a tragic note.
McCutcheon's father in law, Todd Bachman, was killed the day after opening ceremonies by a knife wielding assailant at the 13th-century Drum Tower. Bachman's wife, Barbara, was badly wounded in the attack. The assailant jumped to his death from the tower.
McCutcheon is married to the Bachman's daughter, former Olympian Elisabeth "Wiz" Bachman McCutcheon, who played for the U.S. women in Athens.
The coach left the team to be with his family and missed three matches before his mother-in-law improved and was returned to the United States by air ambulance. Assistant Ron Larsen was interim head coach.
The U.S. men marked their shoes with the initials of Todd and Barbara Bachman during the games. McCutcheon planned to return to the United States immediately following the final match.
Brazil emerged 4-1 from preliminary pool play in Beijing, with a lone loss coming to Russia. They defeated China in the quarterfinals before Italy in the semis.
US warship docks in Georgia port
A US warship has arrived in the Georgian port of Batumi carrying the first delivery of aid supplies by sea.
Russian forces are still in control of the military port of Poti, to the north of Batumi, after withdrawing most of its combat troops from the country.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who brokered the ceasefire, has urged Moscow to pull out those forces too.
Correspondents say the US destroyer's arrival is seen as a message of Washington's support for Georgia.
The destroyer USS McFaul is reported to be carrying supplies such as blankets, hygiene kits and baby food.
Two more US ships are due to dock later this week.
See a map of the region
Russia's four-day war with Georgia erupted after Tbilisi tried to retake its province of South Ossetia - which broke away in 1992 and was supported by Moscow - in a surprise offensive on 7 August. The offensive followed a series of clashes between Georgian and South Ossetian forces.
PEACE PLAN
No more use of force
Stop all military actions for good
Free access to humanitarian aid
Georgian troops return to their places of permanent deployment
Russian troops to return to pre-conflict positions but Russian peacekeepers may take unspecified "additional security measures"
International talks about security in South Ossetia and Abkhazia
Crisis day-by-day
Eyewitness: Russian withdrawal
Russia's game plan
The conflict left hundreds of people dead and created tens of thousands of refugees. Many have been returning to their damaged or destroyed homes since the Russian withdrawal.
The BBC's Gabriel Gatehouse, in Tbilisi, said that apart from delivering aid, the arrival of US naval personnel is undoubtedly intended to send a signal to the Russians - that America is serious about its support for Georgia.
But, he adds, the prospect of US and Russian armed forces actually meeting on Georgian soil is one that both sides seem keen to avoid.
Batumi is not a natural harbour for a naval vessel the size of the USS McFaul to dock but Russian forces have been fortifying their positions at the key port of Poti, further up the coast.
On Saturday, Mr Sarkozy, welcomed the withdrawal of Russian forces so far, but urged Moscow to pull its troops back from Poti and Senaki, which is the site of Georgia's main air base.
Russia says it has a duty and a right to keep its forces in a buffer zone around the breakaway territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia - though it acknowledges that Poti falls well outside that zone.
Russian forces are still in control of the military port of Poti, to the north of Batumi, after withdrawing most of its combat troops from the country.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who brokered the ceasefire, has urged Moscow to pull out those forces too.
Correspondents say the US destroyer's arrival is seen as a message of Washington's support for Georgia.
The destroyer USS McFaul is reported to be carrying supplies such as blankets, hygiene kits and baby food.
Two more US ships are due to dock later this week.
See a map of the region
Russia's four-day war with Georgia erupted after Tbilisi tried to retake its province of South Ossetia - which broke away in 1992 and was supported by Moscow - in a surprise offensive on 7 August. The offensive followed a series of clashes between Georgian and South Ossetian forces.
PEACE PLAN
No more use of force
Stop all military actions for good
Free access to humanitarian aid
Georgian troops return to their places of permanent deployment
Russian troops to return to pre-conflict positions but Russian peacekeepers may take unspecified "additional security measures"
International talks about security in South Ossetia and Abkhazia
Crisis day-by-day
Eyewitness: Russian withdrawal
Russia's game plan
The conflict left hundreds of people dead and created tens of thousands of refugees. Many have been returning to their damaged or destroyed homes since the Russian withdrawal.
The BBC's Gabriel Gatehouse, in Tbilisi, said that apart from delivering aid, the arrival of US naval personnel is undoubtedly intended to send a signal to the Russians - that America is serious about its support for Georgia.
But, he adds, the prospect of US and Russian armed forces actually meeting on Georgian soil is one that both sides seem keen to avoid.
Batumi is not a natural harbour for a naval vessel the size of the USS McFaul to dock but Russian forces have been fortifying their positions at the key port of Poti, further up the coast.
On Saturday, Mr Sarkozy, welcomed the withdrawal of Russian forces so far, but urged Moscow to pull its troops back from Poti and Senaki, which is the site of Georgia's main air base.
Russia says it has a duty and a right to keep its forces in a buffer zone around the breakaway territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia - though it acknowledges that Poti falls well outside that zone.
Beijing primed for Olympic finale
OLYMPICS DAY 16: Watch live from 0200 BST SUNDAY on the BBC Sport website (UK users only). Further coverage on BBC One and red button.
Plenty of fireworks are in store at the closing ceremony
The Beijing Games draw to a close on Sunday after what many have described as one of the best Olympics ever held.
China, having beaten the United States to top the medals table, will hand the Olympic flag to the 2012 hosts London at a closing ceremony from 1300 BST.
Great Britain surpassed all targets by winning 19 golds at the 2008 Games - their best haul for a century.
Kenya's Sammy Wanjiru won the men's marathon on the final day, with basketball and boxing finals to come.
Six boxing titles are being decided while the men's basketball final, featuring the United States and Spain, starts at 0730 BST.
Later, the spectacular farewell in front of a packed house of more than 90,000 at the Bird's Nest stadium is set to last three hours and will include fireworks displays at 18 locations across Beijing.
The organisers have promised a more light-hearted show than the opening ceremony, which focused heavily on Chinese history.
Scottish cyclist Chris Hoy, who claimed three gold medals at the Games, will carry the flag for Team GB at the closing ceremony.
The ceremony will also see London mayor Boris Johnson receive the Olympic flag to signal the countdown to the 2012 Games.
Team GB have been congratulated for their efforts in a message from The Queen.
OLYMPICS BLOG
The Beijing Olympics was always going to be different
BBC sports editor Mihir Bose"As a nation we now look forward to holding the Olympic Games in London in 2012," she said.
"The golden triumphs of the present British team can only serve as further inspiration to those who will be working hard over the next four years to make the London Games a shining example of Olympic success."
China staged the Olympics against a background dominated by fears of pollution, worries over security and protests about its human rights record.
But the sporting action has been enthralling, with highlights including Michael Phelps swimming to a record eight gold medals and Jamaican Usain Bolt breaking three world records as he bagged a sprint title treble.
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who spoke on Sunday of his hope that a UK football team could compete in the next Olympics, will attend the closing event.
Brown rubs shoulders with Beckham in BeijingThe London Olympics will also have a eight-minute slot that will feature a version of Led Zeppelin classic Whole Lotta Love performed by the group's guitarist Jimmy Page and singer Leona Lewis.
Footballer David Beckham will be involved as will the Royal Ballet and the London Symphony Orchestra.
The closing show will also feature a duet by Chinese folk singer Song Zuying and Spanish tenor Placido Domingo, along with a performance by a 350-strong kung-fu group.
There promises to be another spectacular show earlier in the day when the US basketball team, aka the 'Redeem Team', look to reclaim their crown against world champions Spain.
There are also six boxing gold medals to be decided, with Ireland's Kenny Egan going in the light-heavyweight final.
Other finals are taking place in the men's water polo (0840), men's volleyball (0500), and men's handball (0845).
In the rhythmic gymnastics group all-around event, Russia defended their title to take gold, while China claimed silver and Belarus bronze.
In total, there will be 12 gold medals won on the final day of action before the Games are handed on to London.
Plenty of fireworks are in store at the closing ceremony
The Beijing Games draw to a close on Sunday after what many have described as one of the best Olympics ever held.
China, having beaten the United States to top the medals table, will hand the Olympic flag to the 2012 hosts London at a closing ceremony from 1300 BST.
Great Britain surpassed all targets by winning 19 golds at the 2008 Games - their best haul for a century.
Kenya's Sammy Wanjiru won the men's marathon on the final day, with basketball and boxing finals to come.
Six boxing titles are being decided while the men's basketball final, featuring the United States and Spain, starts at 0730 BST.
Later, the spectacular farewell in front of a packed house of more than 90,000 at the Bird's Nest stadium is set to last three hours and will include fireworks displays at 18 locations across Beijing.
The organisers have promised a more light-hearted show than the opening ceremony, which focused heavily on Chinese history.
Scottish cyclist Chris Hoy, who claimed three gold medals at the Games, will carry the flag for Team GB at the closing ceremony.
The ceremony will also see London mayor Boris Johnson receive the Olympic flag to signal the countdown to the 2012 Games.
Team GB have been congratulated for their efforts in a message from The Queen.
OLYMPICS BLOG
The Beijing Olympics was always going to be different
BBC sports editor Mihir Bose"As a nation we now look forward to holding the Olympic Games in London in 2012," she said.
"The golden triumphs of the present British team can only serve as further inspiration to those who will be working hard over the next four years to make the London Games a shining example of Olympic success."
China staged the Olympics against a background dominated by fears of pollution, worries over security and protests about its human rights record.
But the sporting action has been enthralling, with highlights including Michael Phelps swimming to a record eight gold medals and Jamaican Usain Bolt breaking three world records as he bagged a sprint title treble.
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who spoke on Sunday of his hope that a UK football team could compete in the next Olympics, will attend the closing event.
Brown rubs shoulders with Beckham in BeijingThe London Olympics will also have a eight-minute slot that will feature a version of Led Zeppelin classic Whole Lotta Love performed by the group's guitarist Jimmy Page and singer Leona Lewis.
Footballer David Beckham will be involved as will the Royal Ballet and the London Symphony Orchestra.
The closing show will also feature a duet by Chinese folk singer Song Zuying and Spanish tenor Placido Domingo, along with a performance by a 350-strong kung-fu group.
There promises to be another spectacular show earlier in the day when the US basketball team, aka the 'Redeem Team', look to reclaim their crown against world champions Spain.
There are also six boxing gold medals to be decided, with Ireland's Kenny Egan going in the light-heavyweight final.
Other finals are taking place in the men's water polo (0840), men's volleyball (0500), and men's handball (0845).
In the rhythmic gymnastics group all-around event, Russia defended their title to take gold, while China claimed silver and Belarus bronze.
In total, there will be 12 gold medals won on the final day of action before the Games are handed on to London.
Beijing's Olympic social, cultural calendar
(CNN) -- Planning to visit China during the Olympics, but already worried about what else there will be to do besides watching the Games?
Don't fret: the Olympics is about more than sport. The athletic competition offers the host nation a chance to offer its culture to the rest of the world.
The following is a partial social and cultural calendar of notable events taking place in China during the Olympics month of August.
AUGUST 1
Torch Relay: Tianjin
ART: 2D and 3D: Negotiating Visual Languages, August 1-September 28, PKM Gallery Beijing
CONCERT: Love My China -- Songs Collection of China, Minorities Cultural Palace Theatre
LIVE MUSIC: Bling Bling, Yugong Yishan
AUGUST 2
Torch Relay: Tianjin
ART: Chinese Character Biennale, August 2-September 6, Ku Art Center
PUPPETRY: Bilingual Magic Puppet Show Three Baby Pigs, July 19-August 10, China Puppet Theatre
LIVE MUSIC: MicroMu Live Recording, Jiangjinjiu
AUGUST 3
Torch Relay: Sichuan
CULTURE: Bird-raising story by Beijing Bird Men, Park in Beijing
DINNER THEATRE: Peking Night Show, throughout the year, No. 1 Dayabao Hutong
LIVE Formula 1 broadcast from Hungaroring, Hungary, Pavillion
AUGUST 4
Torch Relay: Sichuan
ART: Foundations Wen Fang, June 21-August 13, Paris-Beijing Photo Gallery I
FORUM: Olympic Champion Forum, August 4-5, Peking University Centennial Memorial Hall
CONCERT: The Masters of Voices -- Assemble under the Five-Ring Flag, August 4-5, National Center for the Performing Arts Opera House
AUGUST 5
Torch Relay: Sichuan
MUSEUM: Olympics Postal Stamps, July 20 through end of August, Imperial City Art Museum
OPERA: Yueju Opera: The Butterfly Lovers, August 5-7, National Center for the Performing Arts Theatre
LIVE MUSIC: Sambasia, MAO Livehouse
AUGUST 6
Torch Relay: Arrives in Beijing
ART: Notes of Conception: A Local Narrative of Chinese Contemporary Painting, July 12-August 15, Iberia Center for Contemporary Art
MUSEUM: Capital Museum, permanent displays include Buddhist statues, jade, calligraphy, etc.
FOLK ART: Chinese traditional variety show, daily, Lao She Tea House
Don't Miss
Special report: Beijing 2008
Olympic moments to watch for
iReport.com: Send photos, video to Beijing Fan Zone
AUGUST 7
Torch Relay: Beijing
ART: Guanghua Road 2008, July 26 through August, L.A. Gallery Beijing
CONCERT: Large--scale Chinese music concert: Ariose Years, August 5-7, Haidian Theater
LIVE MUSIC: Panjir, Jiangjinjiu
AUGUST 8
Olympics Opening Ceremony at 8:08 p.m. (12:08 p.m. GMT)
ART: Andy Worhol Portraits: Sports, Stars, and Society, July 26-September 21, Faurschou Beijing
CLASS: Family Kite making and mask decorating, The Hutong
LIVE MUSIC: African Nights, Yugong Yishan
AUGUST 9
MUSEUM: The Palace Museum; Several new exhibitions open before the Olympics inauguration
MUSICAL: Rock Action musical: Monkey King world premiere; August 9-17; August 9-17; Beijing Exhibition Theater
LIVE MUSIC: Taiwan aboriginals "A Night of Ancestral Souls"; Yugong Yishan
AUGUST 10
ART: Colors & Olympism -- 3rd International art biennale, July 8-August 12, National Art Museum of China
HIKE: A long way to catch a train, Beijing Hikers
AUGUST 11
ART: TF Chen's Art and Olympics, through August 14, Bridge Art Center
CLASS: Foot Reflexology, China Culture Club
ACROBATICS: Splendid Real Top Acrobatics, July 4-August 31, Poly Theatre
AUGUST 12
ART: "One World" The 2nd International Print Art Touring Exhibition, July 12-August 14, Amelie Art Gallery
MUSEUM: Beijing Police Museum, permanent displays include rare relics collected from criminal cases and investigation interactive games
DANCE: Large-scale creative Vaudeville -- The Rhyme of Four Seasons, August 10-13, Tian Qiao Theater
AUGUST 13
ART: Plusmarca: Art & Sport, July 20-August 20, Iberia Center for Contemporary Art
OPERA: Visual Peking Opera Madame White Snake, August 13-14, National Center for the Performing Arts Theatre
AUGUST 14
ART: Gao Feng: Traditional Metamorphosis, July 13-August 15, Art + Beijing
MUSEUM: The Great Civilizations, through September, Beijing World Art Museum
MUSIC: Brit Pop, MAO Livehouse
AUGUST 15
ART: Wang Du, through August 20, Arario Beijing
DANCE: Sky Dance by Kook Soo--ho Didim Dance Company, Forbidden City Music Hall
LIVE MUSIC: Made in Ninxia, 2 Kolegas
AUGUST 16
ART: A Gallery With A View -- Conversation 2008 Image China, through August 31, Inter Art Center and Gallery
CLASS: Mahjong Workshop, China Culture Club
MUSICAL: Multimedia Musical Drama Marco Polo, the Imaginary Journey World Premiere, National Center for the Performing Arts Opera House
AUGUST 17
ART: Xijing Olympics: An Exhibition by the Xijing Men Collective, August 17-29, Boers-Li Gallery
HIKE: Tang Dynasty Cave Dwellings, Beijing Hikers
DRAMA: Large--scale Fairy Tale Friendlies, August 15-23, Anderson Theatre
AUGUST 18
ART: Our Future: The Guy & Myriam Ullens Foundation Collection, July 19-October 21, Ullens Center for Contemporary Art
MUSEUM: Beijing Planetarium and Ancient Observatory; permanent displays exhibit ancient China's astronomy, epigraphs from the Qing Dynasty and other ancient astronomical instruments
DRAMA: Zen Nonverbal Stage Spectacular, August 18-31, Haidian Theater
AUGUST 19
ART: Unmoved, July 12-August 24, Galleria Continua
SIGHT: Beijing Zoo, check out the pandas!
CONCERT: A Night for Piano in China, National Center for the Performing Arts Opera House
AUGUST 20
ART: Wu Jian'an: The Heaven of Nine Levels, July 12-August 24, Chambers Fine Art
CLASS: Tai Chi -- Rhythms and Eating Well, The Hutong
MUSICAL: Action Musical Terracotta Warriors, August 19-23, Beijing Exhibition Theater
AUGUST 21
Olympic finals in football (soccer), volleyball
ART: Li Zhanyang: "Rent"-- Rent Collection Yard, April 26-August 24, Galerie Urs Meile
DRAMA: Autumn Begins, August 20-21, National Center for the Performing Arts Theatre
AUGUST 22
Olympic finals in volleyball
ART: Summer Group Show, July 26-August 26, Aura Gallery
BALLET: The Red Detachment of Women by China National Ballet, August 22-23, National Center for the Performing Arts Opera House
LIVE MUSIC: Punk v.. Hip-Hop, MAO Livehouse
AUGUST 23
Olympic finals in basketball, football, volleyball
MUSEUM: Beijing Ancient Architecture Museum; Permanent exhibition: Elements of traditional Chinese building techniques
LIVE MUSIC: Tag Team Records Gathering, 2 Kolegas
AUGUST 24
Olympics Closing Ceremony; finals in basketball, volleyball, several athletics competitions including the marathon
MUSEUM: Poly Art Museum; Displays include stone Buddhist effigies and ancient bronzes.
AUGUST 25
ART: Selection of paintings of China's Ming & Qing dynasties, July 16-August 29, National Art Museum of China
CULTURE: The Preservation of Beijing Hutongs, The Hutong
OPERA: Peking Opera, daily, Huguang Guild Hall
AUGUST 26
MUSEUM: "One World, One Dream"; early August through October, Beijing World Art Museum
ACROBATICS: Top acrobatic class, daily, Tiandi Theater
MARTIAL ARTS: The Legend of Kung Fu, daily, The Red Theatre
AUGUST 27
MUSEUM: Beijing Museum of Natural History; Temporary exhibition: Marine Life, through August
OPERA: Kunju Opera The Peony Pavilion, August 27-29, People's Liberation Army Opera House
LIVE MUSIC: Hanggai, Yugong Yishan
AUGUST 28
ART: Red Gate Stars, August 2-31, Red Gate Gallery
BALLET: Raise the Red Lantern, directed by Zhang Yimou, August 24-28, National Center for the Performing Arts Opera House
MAGIC: The Legend of Magic, July 1-August 31, Tiandi Theater
AUGUST 29
ART: Zhangjian Solo Exhibition, August 1-September 1, Felix Ringel Gallery Beijing
OPERA: Peking Opera Version of Puccini's Opera Torandot, August 29-31, National Center for the Performing Arts Opera House
LIVE MUSIC: Gia + HOTB, Girl Kill Girl, 2 Kolegas
AUGUST 30
ART: The Day After Tomorrow: Liu Ye solo exhibition, August 30-October 29, Yan Club Arts Centre
ACROBATICS: Traditional Chinese acrobatics show, daily, Chaoyang Theater
LIVE MUSIC: Section 6, Yugong Yishan
AUGUST 31
HIKE: A Long Way to Pray for Rain, Beijing Hikers
Don't fret: the Olympics is about more than sport. The athletic competition offers the host nation a chance to offer its culture to the rest of the world.
The following is a partial social and cultural calendar of notable events taking place in China during the Olympics month of August.
AUGUST 1
Torch Relay: Tianjin
ART: 2D and 3D: Negotiating Visual Languages, August 1-September 28, PKM Gallery Beijing
CONCERT: Love My China -- Songs Collection of China, Minorities Cultural Palace Theatre
LIVE MUSIC: Bling Bling, Yugong Yishan
AUGUST 2
Torch Relay: Tianjin
ART: Chinese Character Biennale, August 2-September 6, Ku Art Center
PUPPETRY: Bilingual Magic Puppet Show Three Baby Pigs, July 19-August 10, China Puppet Theatre
LIVE MUSIC: MicroMu Live Recording, Jiangjinjiu
AUGUST 3
Torch Relay: Sichuan
CULTURE: Bird-raising story by Beijing Bird Men, Park in Beijing
DINNER THEATRE: Peking Night Show, throughout the year, No. 1 Dayabao Hutong
LIVE Formula 1 broadcast from Hungaroring, Hungary, Pavillion
AUGUST 4
Torch Relay: Sichuan
ART: Foundations Wen Fang, June 21-August 13, Paris-Beijing Photo Gallery I
FORUM: Olympic Champion Forum, August 4-5, Peking University Centennial Memorial Hall
CONCERT: The Masters of Voices -- Assemble under the Five-Ring Flag, August 4-5, National Center for the Performing Arts Opera House
AUGUST 5
Torch Relay: Sichuan
MUSEUM: Olympics Postal Stamps, July 20 through end of August, Imperial City Art Museum
OPERA: Yueju Opera: The Butterfly Lovers, August 5-7, National Center for the Performing Arts Theatre
LIVE MUSIC: Sambasia, MAO Livehouse
AUGUST 6
Torch Relay: Arrives in Beijing
ART: Notes of Conception: A Local Narrative of Chinese Contemporary Painting, July 12-August 15, Iberia Center for Contemporary Art
MUSEUM: Capital Museum, permanent displays include Buddhist statues, jade, calligraphy, etc.
FOLK ART: Chinese traditional variety show, daily, Lao She Tea House
Don't Miss
Special report: Beijing 2008
Olympic moments to watch for
iReport.com: Send photos, video to Beijing Fan Zone
AUGUST 7
Torch Relay: Beijing
ART: Guanghua Road 2008, July 26 through August, L.A. Gallery Beijing
CONCERT: Large--scale Chinese music concert: Ariose Years, August 5-7, Haidian Theater
LIVE MUSIC: Panjir, Jiangjinjiu
AUGUST 8
Olympics Opening Ceremony at 8:08 p.m. (12:08 p.m. GMT)
ART: Andy Worhol Portraits: Sports, Stars, and Society, July 26-September 21, Faurschou Beijing
CLASS: Family Kite making and mask decorating, The Hutong
LIVE MUSIC: African Nights, Yugong Yishan
AUGUST 9
MUSEUM: The Palace Museum; Several new exhibitions open before the Olympics inauguration
MUSICAL: Rock Action musical: Monkey King world premiere; August 9-17; August 9-17; Beijing Exhibition Theater
LIVE MUSIC: Taiwan aboriginals "A Night of Ancestral Souls"; Yugong Yishan
AUGUST 10
ART: Colors & Olympism -- 3rd International art biennale, July 8-August 12, National Art Museum of China
HIKE: A long way to catch a train, Beijing Hikers
AUGUST 11
ART: TF Chen's Art and Olympics, through August 14, Bridge Art Center
CLASS: Foot Reflexology, China Culture Club
ACROBATICS: Splendid Real Top Acrobatics, July 4-August 31, Poly Theatre
AUGUST 12
ART: "One World" The 2nd International Print Art Touring Exhibition, July 12-August 14, Amelie Art Gallery
MUSEUM: Beijing Police Museum, permanent displays include rare relics collected from criminal cases and investigation interactive games
DANCE: Large-scale creative Vaudeville -- The Rhyme of Four Seasons, August 10-13, Tian Qiao Theater
AUGUST 13
ART: Plusmarca: Art & Sport, July 20-August 20, Iberia Center for Contemporary Art
OPERA: Visual Peking Opera Madame White Snake, August 13-14, National Center for the Performing Arts Theatre
AUGUST 14
ART: Gao Feng: Traditional Metamorphosis, July 13-August 15, Art + Beijing
MUSEUM: The Great Civilizations, through September, Beijing World Art Museum
MUSIC: Brit Pop, MAO Livehouse
AUGUST 15
ART: Wang Du, through August 20, Arario Beijing
DANCE: Sky Dance by Kook Soo--ho Didim Dance Company, Forbidden City Music Hall
LIVE MUSIC: Made in Ninxia, 2 Kolegas
AUGUST 16
ART: A Gallery With A View -- Conversation 2008 Image China, through August 31, Inter Art Center and Gallery
CLASS: Mahjong Workshop, China Culture Club
MUSICAL: Multimedia Musical Drama Marco Polo, the Imaginary Journey World Premiere, National Center for the Performing Arts Opera House
AUGUST 17
ART: Xijing Olympics: An Exhibition by the Xijing Men Collective, August 17-29, Boers-Li Gallery
HIKE: Tang Dynasty Cave Dwellings, Beijing Hikers
DRAMA: Large--scale Fairy Tale Friendlies, August 15-23, Anderson Theatre
AUGUST 18
ART: Our Future: The Guy & Myriam Ullens Foundation Collection, July 19-October 21, Ullens Center for Contemporary Art
MUSEUM: Beijing Planetarium and Ancient Observatory; permanent displays exhibit ancient China's astronomy, epigraphs from the Qing Dynasty and other ancient astronomical instruments
DRAMA: Zen Nonverbal Stage Spectacular, August 18-31, Haidian Theater
AUGUST 19
ART: Unmoved, July 12-August 24, Galleria Continua
SIGHT: Beijing Zoo, check out the pandas!
CONCERT: A Night for Piano in China, National Center for the Performing Arts Opera House
AUGUST 20
ART: Wu Jian'an: The Heaven of Nine Levels, July 12-August 24, Chambers Fine Art
CLASS: Tai Chi -- Rhythms and Eating Well, The Hutong
MUSICAL: Action Musical Terracotta Warriors, August 19-23, Beijing Exhibition Theater
AUGUST 21
Olympic finals in football (soccer), volleyball
ART: Li Zhanyang: "Rent"-- Rent Collection Yard, April 26-August 24, Galerie Urs Meile
DRAMA: Autumn Begins, August 20-21, National Center for the Performing Arts Theatre
AUGUST 22
Olympic finals in volleyball
ART: Summer Group Show, July 26-August 26, Aura Gallery
BALLET: The Red Detachment of Women by China National Ballet, August 22-23, National Center for the Performing Arts Opera House
LIVE MUSIC: Punk v.. Hip-Hop, MAO Livehouse
AUGUST 23
Olympic finals in basketball, football, volleyball
MUSEUM: Beijing Ancient Architecture Museum; Permanent exhibition: Elements of traditional Chinese building techniques
LIVE MUSIC: Tag Team Records Gathering, 2 Kolegas
AUGUST 24
Olympics Closing Ceremony; finals in basketball, volleyball, several athletics competitions including the marathon
MUSEUM: Poly Art Museum; Displays include stone Buddhist effigies and ancient bronzes.
AUGUST 25
ART: Selection of paintings of China's Ming & Qing dynasties, July 16-August 29, National Art Museum of China
CULTURE: The Preservation of Beijing Hutongs, The Hutong
OPERA: Peking Opera, daily, Huguang Guild Hall
AUGUST 26
MUSEUM: "One World, One Dream"; early August through October, Beijing World Art Museum
ACROBATICS: Top acrobatic class, daily, Tiandi Theater
MARTIAL ARTS: The Legend of Kung Fu, daily, The Red Theatre
AUGUST 27
MUSEUM: Beijing Museum of Natural History; Temporary exhibition: Marine Life, through August
OPERA: Kunju Opera The Peony Pavilion, August 27-29, People's Liberation Army Opera House
LIVE MUSIC: Hanggai, Yugong Yishan
AUGUST 28
ART: Red Gate Stars, August 2-31, Red Gate Gallery
BALLET: Raise the Red Lantern, directed by Zhang Yimou, August 24-28, National Center for the Performing Arts Opera House
MAGIC: The Legend of Magic, July 1-August 31, Tiandi Theater
AUGUST 29
ART: Zhangjian Solo Exhibition, August 1-September 1, Felix Ringel Gallery Beijing
OPERA: Peking Opera Version of Puccini's Opera Torandot, August 29-31, National Center for the Performing Arts Opera House
LIVE MUSIC: Gia + HOTB, Girl Kill Girl, 2 Kolegas
AUGUST 30
ART: The Day After Tomorrow: Liu Ye solo exhibition, August 30-October 29, Yan Club Arts Centre
ACROBATICS: Traditional Chinese acrobatics show, daily, Chaoyang Theater
LIVE MUSIC: Section 6, Yugong Yishan
AUGUST 31
HIKE: A Long Way to Pray for Rain, Beijing Hikers
By: (CNN)
Analysis: What Biden brings to the table
Analysis: What Biden brings to the table DENVER, Colorado (CNN) -- Sen. Barack Obama's choice of Sen. Joe Biden as his running mate raises the question of whether Obama can carry off his message of change with a seasoned Washington politician by his side.
Biden brings to the table an ability to speak knowledgeably about issues ranging from foreign policy to to the country's domestic agenda.
The Delaware senator has held two of the most important jobs in Washington: chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. That could be reassuring to voters who worry about Obama's inexperience in national and world affairs.
Biden also has been an early and vociferous critic of President Bush's foreign policies, most notably regarding the war in Iraq.
He voted for the authorization to invade Iraq but conceded that it was a mistake. Obama opposed the authorization, and that gap might give Republicans something to highlight.
But Biden has personal ties to the war. His son Joseph "Beau" Biden, Delaware's attorney general, is a captain in the Army National Guard and will soon return to Iraq.
Nonetheless, his political experience spans 36 years, and some say that will create a problem for Obama's key talking point of change.
House Minority Leader John Boehner responded Saturday to Biden's new role, saying, "Americans looking for a pair of candidates who are ready to fix a broken Washington aren't going to find them on the Obama-Biden ticket."
Shortly after Obama announced Biden as his No. 2, Sen. John McCain's campaign reacted in a television ad showcasing Biden's comments attacking the Illinois senator.
The 30-second spot, set to air in key states, also highlights a 2005 interview of Biden in which he praised McCain: "I would be honored to run with or against John McCain, because I think the country would be better off." Watch McCain's new ad targeting Biden »
McCain campaign manager Rick Davis later responded to Obama's decision in an e-mail to supporters.
"Sen. Obama's choice in a running mate once again brings up his questionable judgment when faced with making major decisions," Davis wrote.
"Sen. Biden has long been a leading critic of Sen. Obama's lack of foreign policy experience. He's criticized Sen. Obama for his lack of leadership and judgment on Iraq, Afghanistan, and his commitment to meet unconditionally with the leaders of rogue states," he added.
McCain advisor Nancy Pfotenhauer told CNN's Wolf Blitzer on Saturday that Obama's decision "clearly showcases that Obama is aware that he lacks the experience, if you will, and the judgment in foreign policy arenas."
Obama has routinely criticized his GOP rival for being a Washington insider. McCain has charged that Obama is too inexperienced to run the country, especially its international affairs.
Biden himself touched on this when he was in the running as a presidential candidate. During a Democratic primary debate, moderator George Stephanopoulos of ABC News referred to Biden's criticism of Obama's experience.
"You were asked, 'Is he ready?' You said, 'I think he can be ready, but right now, I don't believe he is. The presidency is not something that lends itself to on-the-job training,' " Stephanopoulos said.
"I think I stand by that statement," Biden replied.
But in July, Biden said he would choose Obama's judgment over McCain's war record and foreign policy experience. Watch more on what Biden brings to the ticket »
"Twenty years of experience that has not been very solid in terms of projecting what was going to happen just doesn't make you a better commander in chief," Biden said, referring to McCain. "We don't need as a commander in chief a war hero. John's a war hero. We need someone with some wisdom."
So how does Biden help Obama politically? Biden is Roman Catholic. There are nearly 70 million Roman Catholics in the United States, about 20 percent of the electorate, and they can tip the balance in a close contest.
Biden also has roots in Pennsylvania, a swing state. Obama lost the state to Sen. Hillary Clinton in the primaries. Biden's support could help the campaign win the state in November. Watch Democrats react to Obama's choice »
"You're getting national security experience, you're getting enthusiasm, and you hope you're getting some help in those white, working-class, blue-collar towns where Barack Obama needs help," CNN Senior National Correspondent John King said.
"The rap on him is that he talks too long, his speeches don't end, and occasionally he goes off the reservation," King added.
CNN Senior Political Correspondent Candy Crowley says Biden is a "very one-on-one person" and "has a personal story as well: triumph over tragedy. ... He brings depth to this ticket."
Biden, 65, was first elected to the Senate at age 29 in 1972. Shortly after, his first wife and daughter were killed in a car accident. He weighed resigning but eventually decided to continue with his political career.
Biden's career has dogged by what some consider to be gaffes. Most notably, a comment he made about Obama received widespread criticism. Watch an iReporter weigh in on Biden »
"I mean, you got the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy. I mean, that's a storybook," he said in an interview with the New York Observer newspaper, When faced with criticism, he defended the comment as a compliment taken out of context.
So, can Biden control his tendency to say too much? He is certainly trying.
In an April 27 primary debate, moderator Brian Williams of NBC News asked Biden, "an editorial in the Los Angeles Times said, 'In addition to his uncontrolled verbosity, Biden is a gaffe machine.' Can you reassure voters in this country that you would have the discipline you would need on the world stage, senator?"
Biden simply replied, "yes," eliciting much laughter.
Biden, known for his sharp wit, must now assume the traditional attack-dog role of the vice presidential candidate.
Democratic strategist and CNN contributor Paul Begala, said Saturday morning that he doesn't think Biden should be a "snarling" attack dog, however.
"Biden can help a lot by first reassuring and even more important, putting Bush and McCain on trial and showing that Barack Obama is change. That's what I think we'll see Joe Biden doing over the next couple of months," he said.
Shortly after the Obama-Biden ticket was announced early Saturday morning, Republican Sen. Dick Lugar of Indiana offered praise for his Senate colleague.
Biden brings to the table an ability to speak knowledgeably about issues ranging from foreign policy to to the country's domestic agenda.
The Delaware senator has held two of the most important jobs in Washington: chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. That could be reassuring to voters who worry about Obama's inexperience in national and world affairs.
Biden also has been an early and vociferous critic of President Bush's foreign policies, most notably regarding the war in Iraq.
He voted for the authorization to invade Iraq but conceded that it was a mistake. Obama opposed the authorization, and that gap might give Republicans something to highlight.
But Biden has personal ties to the war. His son Joseph "Beau" Biden, Delaware's attorney general, is a captain in the Army National Guard and will soon return to Iraq.
Nonetheless, his political experience spans 36 years, and some say that will create a problem for Obama's key talking point of change.
House Minority Leader John Boehner responded Saturday to Biden's new role, saying, "Americans looking for a pair of candidates who are ready to fix a broken Washington aren't going to find them on the Obama-Biden ticket."
Shortly after Obama announced Biden as his No. 2, Sen. John McCain's campaign reacted in a television ad showcasing Biden's comments attacking the Illinois senator.
The 30-second spot, set to air in key states, also highlights a 2005 interview of Biden in which he praised McCain: "I would be honored to run with or against John McCain, because I think the country would be better off." Watch McCain's new ad targeting Biden »
McCain campaign manager Rick Davis later responded to Obama's decision in an e-mail to supporters.
"Sen. Obama's choice in a running mate once again brings up his questionable judgment when faced with making major decisions," Davis wrote.
"Sen. Biden has long been a leading critic of Sen. Obama's lack of foreign policy experience. He's criticized Sen. Obama for his lack of leadership and judgment on Iraq, Afghanistan, and his commitment to meet unconditionally with the leaders of rogue states," he added.
McCain advisor Nancy Pfotenhauer told CNN's Wolf Blitzer on Saturday that Obama's decision "clearly showcases that Obama is aware that he lacks the experience, if you will, and the judgment in foreign policy arenas."
Obama has routinely criticized his GOP rival for being a Washington insider. McCain has charged that Obama is too inexperienced to run the country, especially its international affairs.
Biden himself touched on this when he was in the running as a presidential candidate. During a Democratic primary debate, moderator George Stephanopoulos of ABC News referred to Biden's criticism of Obama's experience.
"You were asked, 'Is he ready?' You said, 'I think he can be ready, but right now, I don't believe he is. The presidency is not something that lends itself to on-the-job training,' " Stephanopoulos said.
"I think I stand by that statement," Biden replied.
But in July, Biden said he would choose Obama's judgment over McCain's war record and foreign policy experience. Watch more on what Biden brings to the ticket »
"Twenty years of experience that has not been very solid in terms of projecting what was going to happen just doesn't make you a better commander in chief," Biden said, referring to McCain. "We don't need as a commander in chief a war hero. John's a war hero. We need someone with some wisdom."
So how does Biden help Obama politically? Biden is Roman Catholic. There are nearly 70 million Roman Catholics in the United States, about 20 percent of the electorate, and they can tip the balance in a close contest.
Biden also has roots in Pennsylvania, a swing state. Obama lost the state to Sen. Hillary Clinton in the primaries. Biden's support could help the campaign win the state in November. Watch Democrats react to Obama's choice »
"You're getting national security experience, you're getting enthusiasm, and you hope you're getting some help in those white, working-class, blue-collar towns where Barack Obama needs help," CNN Senior National Correspondent John King said.
"The rap on him is that he talks too long, his speeches don't end, and occasionally he goes off the reservation," King added.
CNN Senior Political Correspondent Candy Crowley says Biden is a "very one-on-one person" and "has a personal story as well: triumph over tragedy. ... He brings depth to this ticket."
Biden, 65, was first elected to the Senate at age 29 in 1972. Shortly after, his first wife and daughter were killed in a car accident. He weighed resigning but eventually decided to continue with his political career.
Biden's career has dogged by what some consider to be gaffes. Most notably, a comment he made about Obama received widespread criticism. Watch an iReporter weigh in on Biden »
"I mean, you got the first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy. I mean, that's a storybook," he said in an interview with the New York Observer newspaper, When faced with criticism, he defended the comment as a compliment taken out of context.
So, can Biden control his tendency to say too much? He is certainly trying.
In an April 27 primary debate, moderator Brian Williams of NBC News asked Biden, "an editorial in the Los Angeles Times said, 'In addition to his uncontrolled verbosity, Biden is a gaffe machine.' Can you reassure voters in this country that you would have the discipline you would need on the world stage, senator?"
Biden simply replied, "yes," eliciting much laughter.
Biden, known for his sharp wit, must now assume the traditional attack-dog role of the vice presidential candidate.
Democratic strategist and CNN contributor Paul Begala, said Saturday morning that he doesn't think Biden should be a "snarling" attack dog, however.
"Biden can help a lot by first reassuring and even more important, putting Bush and McCain on trial and showing that Barack Obama is change. That's what I think we'll see Joe Biden doing over the next couple of months," he said.
Shortly after the Obama-Biden ticket was announced early Saturday morning, Republican Sen. Dick Lugar of Indiana offered praise for his Senate colleague.
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