While the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games broke records in terms of participation and performances, they also beat the records in terms of worldwide television coverage, with broadcasts in more territories than ever before (over 220) and record viewership audiences in many territories. As the first Olympic Games to benefit from 100 percent high definition surround sound digital coverage, the Beijing Games were the most followed and watched in Olympic history. This participation of the world of television in the success of the Games was recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) last night at the “Olympic Golden Rings” ceremony. (More)

President Rogge presenting the 'special metion' award to Manolo Romero

Zaiqing Yu, IOC Vice President, alongside the winners of The Best Sports Coverage by the Host Broadcasting Organisation, Guoli Ma, Heping Jiang and Yiannis Exarchos.

President Rogge with (from l. to r.) Peter Diamond, Dave Gordon and Philip Coles, IOC member, representing Seven Network Australia, with The Best Olympic Programme awards.

(from l. to r.) Manuela Di Centa, IOC member, with Peter Leissl, Christian Seychal and Peter Diamond, who have received the Best Athletes' Profile awards.

The Olympic Golden Rings awards

The winners of The Best Olympic Feature awards, Peter Diamond, Dave Gordon and Peter Leissl, with Denis Oswald, IOC Executive Board member.