Filing stories from Beijing — a dream come true — there was an abundance of memories each day. For me here are 10 unforgettable events and writings from the 2008 Summer Olympics:
Usain Bolt’s 200-meter record
Team USA’s victory in the men’s basketball final
Ryoko Tani’s reign as Olympic judo champ comes to an end
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2008/08/10/olympics/tani-falls-short-in-quest-for-gold/
Japan shocks the U.S. in softball final
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2008/08/22/olympics/japan-outplays-u-s-to-win-softball-gold/
Swimmer Kosuke Kitajima completes back-to-back double-gold medal haul
Related column on the legend Kitajima
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2008/08/13/general/kitajimas-swimming-feats-inspire-a-nation
Michael Phelps’ razor-thin victory in the 100-meter butterfly, his record-tying seventh gold
A related column after Phelps’ gold medal No. 8
Star 110-meter hurdler Liu Xiang’s injury withdrawal brought a nation to tears
China gold medal-winning men’s gymnastics team brings joy and inspiration to Sichuan Province after region’s devastating earthquake
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Two bonus pieces
A fun-filled few hours at the beach volleyball courts
Kobe Bryant, Yao Ming and others take stock of basketball’s global growth before the U.S.-China showdown at outset of Olympic tourney. A day before the Sunday clash, Kobe declared “it will be the highest-energy game I’ll ever be part of.”
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2008/08/11/general/china-u-s-matchup-shows-games-growth/
Postscript: The web archives appear to be missing a stack of articles, including a few Beijing Postcard entries that I’d like to add to this list. I hope to update it soon.
Ed Odeven Reporting 