As we spend the next week or so trying to catch up on lost sleep, it's a perfect time to reflect on the Games.

Beijing will be remembered as one of history's greatest Olympics.

No doubt about that.

As far as giving the world a better understanding of Chinese culture and history, these two weeks might have done more than any propaganda department could have possibly done.

The thing I love most about sport is it teaches us to strive to be better.

Whether that means being a better person, a better parent or better athlete - just be the best you can be.

Therefore, perhaps the most inspirational performances come from those who achieve personal bests.

Here's my medal tally from Beijing 2008.

GOLD MEDAL PERFORMANCE: Weightlifting has always held a fascination to me ... God knows I do it every morning when I get out of bed.

Big blokes, lifting big weights makes for a fascinating event.

However, there was one weightlifter carrying an extra burden at these Games.

Germany's Matthias Steiner had lost his wife to a car accident before the Olympics and her dying wish was for Matthias to win the gold medal in her honour.

To win gold Matthias had to lift a personal best by 10kg.

Watching the giant fling the massive weight over his head, hold it, release it and then break down in triumphant tears was enough to make anyone cry.

The image of him standing on the podium with a photo of his wife and that gold medal will remain in our memories for a long time.

SILVER MEDAL: Who couldn't help but smile at Sally McLennan's reaction to winning silver in the hurdles?

The joy and surprise this young lady showed at winning a medal was a breath of fresh air, even going as far as dropping the "s" word in the television interview afterwards.

Who cares if she only got in because another girl hit the hurdle?

Jumping "over" the hurdle is a key skill in hurdling.

What I'm looking forward to is seeing how Sally reacts if she wins gold in London.

Look out then.

BRONZE MEDAL: Well, I'm sorry to say but my bronze medal has to go to the Kiwis.

Yes, while the Kiwis may have finished well below us on the medal tally, they are clinging to the fact that on a "per head of population" basis, they would be in front.

Just hope and pray they don't introduce sheep dog trials or shearing for London 2012.