The Games opened in Beijing with 14,000 performers and 91,000 spectators in the Bird’s Nest Stadium. Dancing, music, and fireworks entertained 840 million television viewers worldwide.
On Aug. 13, U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps won his 11th career gold medal, becoming the first athlete in Olympic history to do so.
On Aug. 17, Michael Phelps won his eighth gold medal, breaking the record set by Mark Spitz in the 1972 Games. Phelps also set the record for the most golds in a single Olympics.