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Table of Contents

Cover Story

Cover Story - Spanish Version

Mini-Lesson

Comprehension Quiz

Teacher's Guide and Worksheets

Games Over

By Vickie An

On August 24, the 2008 Beijing Olympics ended just as they had opened - with a bang! Fireworks burst above the Bird's Nest stadium. For two weeks, the world took part in the celebration of sports. Athletes broke 43 world records and 132 Olympic records. Here are a few highlights. For more, go to timeforkids.com/olympics08.

Golden Boy

U.S. swimming star Michael Phelps cruised into the record books. The pool king did what no one has done before. He won eight gold medals in a single Olympics. With 14 total golds under his swim cap, Phelps is the most decorated athlete in the modern Games.

Speed Racer

There's a reason Usain Bolt is called Lightning Bolt. Now, the Jamaican sprinter has a new title: Fastest Man Alive. Bolt won gold medals in world-record time in the 100- and 200-meter dashes and the 400-meter relay. He is only the fourth man to win all three Olympic sprint events. That's worth celebrating!

Grace Under Pressure

American gymnast Nastia Liukin came into the Games with a lot to prove. An ankle injury had sidelined her in 2006. Was she up to the Olympic challenge? Liukin soon showed the world she was in it to win it. She took home five medals, including the biggest individual gymnastics prize: gold in the all-around competition.

OLYMPIC MEDAL COUNT

U.S. 36 gold medals, 110 total medals

CHINA 51 gold medals, 100 total medals

RUSSIA 23 gold medals, 72 total medals

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