Great Britain won 19 gold medals, 13 silver and 15 bronze putting them fourth overall in the event held in Beijing. But the real stars of the games were Usain Bolt, Michael Phelps and Chris Hoy.

Bolt broke the world record 100m with a world best of 9.69 seconds, while Phelps - the human dolphin - won eight golds in swimming. Not forgetting Chris Hoy who became the first Brit in a century to win three golds in one year at the Games.

Despite the Olympics dominating the sporting year, memorable moments also include rugby glory as Wales won the Six Nations Grand Slam, and Lewis Hamilton's triumph becoming the youngest-ever Formula One champion.