UPI POY 2008 - The Beijing Olympics (157 images)

Fireworks explode over the National Stadium, called the Bird's Nest, during the dress rehearsal for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing on August 2, 2008. The official opening ceremony for the Summer Games is August 8, 2008. (UPI Photo/Pat Benic)

A runner carries the Olympic Torch past the Forbidden City, with Chairman Mao Zedong's portrait in the background, in Tiananmen Square in Beijing, China, on August 6, 2008. The Summer Olympics Opening Ceremonies will be held August 8. (UPI Photo/Roger L. Wollenberg)

Artistic gymnast Li Ning returns to the ground after lighting the Olympic Cauldron on top of the National Stadium (Birds Nest) during the Opening Ceremonies for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China, on August 8, 2008. (UPI Photo/Roger L. Wollenberg)

Former Gold Medalist Li Ning is seen on the large screen and again in front of the screen as he carries the Olympic Torch around the top of National Stadium during the Opening Ceremonies for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China, on August 8, 2008. (UPI Photo/Terry Schmitt)