Editor's Note: The Beijing Olympics, Euro 2008 and other major events made 2008 a year of outstanding sporting achievements. We take a look back at some of the year's most memorable moments.

		The Beijing Olympics and Paralympics From Aug.8 to 24, the Olympic Games put Beijing in the world's spotlight. For most people, the highlights of the games will be the performances of Usain Bolt and Michael Phelps, and the athletes who won their countries' first ever medals. The Paralympics, running from September 6 to 17, was staged with equal splendor, hosting a record 4,032 athletes from 147 countries and regions. Olympics in pictures>>

	A goal from Fernando Torres in the final of Euro 2008 earned Spain the first UEFA European Championship in 44 years. Full>>		Briton Lewis Hamilton of the McLaren-Mercedes became the youngest world champion in Formula One history after a nail-biting Brazilian Grand Prix. Full>>
	The Boston Celtics captured a record 17th NBA championship by beating LA Lakers in 2007-2008 NBA finals. Full>>		It was a season in which Rafael Nadal finally spread his tentacles beyond Roland Garros. He first grabbed Federer's Wimbledon crown, then snatched Olympic gold in Beijing. Full>>
	The United States won the Ryder Cup for the first time in nine years on September 21, 2008. Full>>		The 36-year-old Lance Armstrong announced he is ending his three-year retirement in an effort to win the Tour de France for an eighth time. Full>>

(China.org.cn December 26, 2008)