A SNAPSHOT OF THE OLYMPIC SPIRIT

The Paris Games have played host to some wonderful displays of friendship and camaraderie

So, now that Tom Cruise has closed the show in spectacular style, carrying the Olympic flag off to Los Angeles on the back of his motorbike, and the curtain falls on another spectacular Summer Games, it's time to take a moment to reflect on the past two weeks, before the hard work of another Olympic cycle begins.

And what a fortnight it has been! Loaded with thrilling sporting action, feats of strength, skill and perseverance, and, of course, a bucketload of medals for Team China.

But, aside from the fierce competition, there were remarkable acts of sportsmanship, kindness and friendship, proving, again, that sports can conquer political, ideological and cultural divides like very little else.