The Beijing Olympic flame went out atop the Bird's Nest Stadium Sunday night, marking the conclusion of what IOC President Jacques Rogge described as a "truly exceptional Games".

A commentary in the Beijing Youth Daily says that it is not just the medals that will be remembered, but the spirit. Over 10 thousand athletes from 204 delegations will be honored for their painstaking attempts at Olympic success. And as millions of Chinese volunteers worked tirelessly for the Olympics, they too deserve applause and praise from around the world.

The paper concludes by stating that the Olympic Games are a grand celebration of sport, peace and friendship. And in four years time, the world will meet again in London for another glorious event.