BEIJING OLYMPICS' SPECTACULAR CLOSING CEREMONIES

Beijing games described the games as "truly exceptional" in a lavish closing ceremony at he Bird's Nest stadium which culminated in the handing over of the Olympic flag to Boris Johnson, the mayor of London, which will host the 2012 edition.

"Through these games, the world learned more about China, and China learned more about the world," said Rogge. "These were truly exceptional games."

The games saw China depose the United States as the new sports superpower but the final day started with Kenyan SamuelWanjiru relishing the beat to record an historic first Olympic marathon for the African nation.

Zou Shiming won China's first ever boxing gold in his country's 50th gold of the games when he claimed the light fly-weight title.

At the end of the 16 days competition, and 302 events, China had 51 gold medals, 15 more than the United States on 36, with Russia winning 23, and Great Britain, 19.

It is the first time China has won the gold medal count, although in total medals won the United States has 110 to China's 100.