September, 1993
Beijing finishes second in voting for 2000 Games, losing out to Sydney, Australia
July, 2001
Beijing awarded the Games, defeating runner up Toronto in the vote by IOC members.
Winter, 2002
China announces a total of 37 venues will be used for the games, including 12 new stadiums
December, 2003
Construction begins on the spectacular Beijing National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest
August, 2004
Chinese athletes win 32 gold medals in Athens, Greece second only to USA in a clear statement they intend to dominate as hosts in 2008.
February, 2006
Officials announce more than seven million tickets will be on sale with half allotted to Beijingers
2007
Former IOC president Juan Antonio Samaranch, believed to be a major influence on China getting the Games, declares the Beijing Games will be the "best in Olympic history"
March 24, 2008
Olympic Torch Relay begins in Olympia Greece but runs into trouble at various times over the next month as human rights activists protest human rights abuses in Tibet
July 1, 2008
Chinese authorities announce drastic measures to control pollution by shutting down factories and limiting the use of cars
July 16, 2008
Beijing Olympic Village opens to mostly strong reviews
Opening Ceremony
2.00pm EAT, 7.00am ET, 6.00am CT, 4.00am PT
With their slogans "One World, One Dream" the 2008 Beijing Games are scheduled to begin. Will China be able to accumulate more gold medals than USA? After spending $100 billion to prepare for those Games, will the Games be successful to be remembered as the "best in Olympic history"? Stay tuned.