Beijing hosted the 2008 Summer Olympics and made history with its elaborate opening ceremony, cutting-edge venues, and the unforgettable performances of athletes like Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt. It was a landmark event for China, showcasing its modernization and global presence. However, Beijing was not the host city of the 2012 Summer Olympics. That honor went to another major capital city, which emphasized sustainability, culture, and global diversity in its Olympic celebration. Beijing would go on to become the first city to host both Summer and Winter Games, but not in 2012.