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2008 was undoubtedly a fantastic year for sport, but there was no greater show of athleticism and sportsmanship than that displayed during the Beijing Olympic Games. Known for centuries as the pinnacle of the sports calendar, this is one of the few sporting events that truly brings all countries together, regardless of race, religion or politics. This year was even more closely fought than ever, and many records were smashed completely. In this article we will look at the Olympians who truly raised the bar for their sport and showed themselves to be the best of the new breed of Olympian.

Michael Phelps - The Beijing Olympics cannot be talked about without mentioning this man. He not only broke six World records in swimming in one games, he also became the most accomplished modern Olympian. Phelps has won an astounding 14 Gold medals over his career, more than any other Olympian since the modern Olympics began. He swam in seventeen races over the course of nine days, and it was clear from the very beginning that nobody could touch him. He even broke his own previously set World record in the 400m individual medley by two seconds. He did it all with a smile on his face and a intense pride in his country, never once underestimating or talking down to the competition. Phelps truly epitomised what it meant to be an athlete this year.

Chris Hoy - For the first time almost a century, Great Britain was a true contender in the Olympic Games. This was helped in no small part by Edinburgh-born cyclist Chris Hoy. He became the first British Olympian in over 100 years to win three gold medals, and the most successful Olympic cyclist of all time. His performance gave Britain something to be proud of, and he has inspired many young people around the country to get involved in sport and turn themselves into the Olympians of tomorrow.

Usain Bolt - This Jamaican sprinter earned himself the nickname "Lightning Bolt" after stunning viewers all over the globe with his showmanship and truly amazing running during the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Although some accused the 22-year-old of showboating, with his chest slapping celebration during the 100m final slowing his finish down, there is no denying that he is one of the truly great athletes of our time. The fact that a man ran 100m in 9.62 seconds even after slowing down is surely a sign of a great talent.

Chelsie Memmel - Although Memmel did not share the gold medal success of fellow American gymnasts Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin, she

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