After 17 days filled with competition of every facet, the showcase of state-of-the-art technology and eight-year-olds getting the boot for not being cute enough to sing at the opening ceremonies, the Olympics finally came to a close with an extravagant closing ceremony in Beijing on Sunday night.

Here are three of the top moments from the past two weeks.

1. Men’s 400-meter Relay (Swimming) – Michael Phelps (above) was no doubt the star of these Olympics setting a record with eight gold medals, but none were more exciting than the team victory in the 400-meter relay when U.S. swimmer Jason Lezak chased down the French anchor to grab the gold.

2. Men’s 100-meter Dash – Everyone knew Jamaica’s Usain Bolt was fast, but the speedster amazed fans everywhere by shattering the world record with a time of 9.69 seconds and showboating his way the final seven strides to the finish.

3. Men’s Basketball – The “Redeem Team” delivered with a gold medal and re-established American dominance in a sport created right here in America. Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski got a collection of NBA superstars to put away their egos and become role players as the United States won its first gold medal since 2000.

-Dan Cusack, associate sports editor