Top 10 Best Olympic Games Ever

The London Games were known for their atmosphere and packed stadiums. Usain Bolt won three gold medals again and Dutch gymnast Epke Zonderland won gold on the high bar.

Michael Phelps won eight gold medals in swimming and Usain Bolt set world records in the 100 and 200 meters. The opening ceremony in the Bird's Nest was spectacular.

For the first time, professional basketball players took part, in the US Dream Team. These Games are regarded as among the best organized ever.

Cathy Freeman lit the Olympic flame and won gold in the 400 meters. Dutch swimmers Inge de Bruijn and Pieter van den Hoogenband also shone.

The Games were largely privately financed. Carl Lewis won four gold medals and the Soviet Union did not take part.

The first Games in South America. Usain Bolt won his ninth Olympic title, completing the so-called triple triple.

The Games were postponed to 2021 because of the pandemic and were held largely without spectators. Sifan Hassan won gold in the 5,000 and 10,000 meters.

The opening ceremony took place on the Seine and many events were held at iconic locations. Swimmer Léon Marchand won four gold medals.

After more than a century, the Games returned to the country where they began. Pieter van den Hoogenband won gold in the 100 meters freestyle.

Bob Beamon long-jumped 8.90 meters, breaking the world record by almost half a meter. The Black Power salute by Tommie Smith and John Carlos also made these Games historic.