Top Ten Greatest Summer Olympic Games

What edition was the greatest in your opinion from the greatest competition of the world - the Summer Olympics?
The Top Ten
1 London 2012 (United Kingdom)

It was like the Commonwealth Games on a grand scale. Superbly organized, great facilities and a real party atmosphere. The athletics stadium was packed to capacity on the first morning and runners with no chance, finishing half a lap behind the 2nd last were given a round of applause. Nearly everything was ready a year ahead and the opening ceremony which factions of the press expected to be a farce was an unequivocal triumph. I believe I am right in saying that in the chaotic run-up to 2016 that London was the first to be approached to bail them out if need be.

2 Beijing 2008 (China)

The first Olympics that were broadcast in HD hi-definition, the opening drum performance was most spectacular, and Chinese gold medal gymnast winner Li Ning "fly-walk" around the top of the stadium was never done before. If you seen the U.S. NBC broadcast at the end, even Bob Costa said this was the "most memorable Olympics" ever in his long Olympics experience.

Those olympic games were amazing! Nothing will be quite the same after Beijing. The opening ceremony was an incredible feat. All other efforts to imitate it will be futile (well, the only possible serious contender will be Tokyo 2020 if they use all of their global soft power - manga characters, Japanese pop music and traditional festivals).

3 Sydney 2000 (Australia)

Set the standard to which Beijjng and London attempted to mimic. Truly spectacular games with filled stadia, a gaggle of volunteers, polished organisation and an unequalled friendliness, sense of security and magical atmosphere. London experienced half filled venues, ordinary weather and security paranoia. How it is frequently labelled 'the best' Olympics (usually by Brits) is ridiculous.

Sydney's olympics was the best because the pool was in good condition and the time keeping was well done and the commentators were great.

4 Rio 2016 (Brazil)

Although the media did all they could to jeopardise the atmosphere at the games, there were only a few hiccups and the people really participated. 208 nations "lived under the same roof" respecting each other: it was amazing to see North and South Korea taking a selfie! ; north Korea at the podium with US! ; Hussain Bolt's happiness; the beautiful scenery of Rio and so many other mesmerising moments.

I love how they translated Brazilian culture, colors, and emotions so well in the impeccable designs, the best visual identity among the others. The tropical atmosphere paired with people's heat really suited Brazil's vibe.

5 Athens 2004 (Greece)

Security was flawless, construction was on time, no major issues reported, birthplace of the movement and a beautiful opening ceremony.

The classiest and most sophisticated opening and closing ceremonies. They set the standard for future games.

Most incredible opening ceremony. Loved seeing Acropolis lit up at night. Truly amazing!

6 Atlanta 1996 (United States)

There were better Olympics, but Atlanta pulled it off very well.
Opening / Closing Ceremonies Rocked! Competitions were intense. The City suffered from lackluster Architecture & some logistical problems, but we overshadowed by the Games themselves. The Bombing was tragic, but to blame Atlanta is like blaming the victim of a murder. I think Atlanta deserves more love than it got.

When Kurt Angle won his gold medal.

Great city to bad there won't be another one here for a long time

7 Barcelona 1992 (Spain)

Dream Team. Summer Sanders. US Swimming was solid. All in all just a solid and very memorable games!

This and Sydney 2000 did much better for the country. 1992 made Spain's image and popularity skyrocket around the world

It showed Barcelona to the world... And the world is still coming to see it.

8 Moscow 1980 (Russia/USSR)
9 Los Angeles 1984 (United States)

Use of existing stadiums and arenas. No need to build new ones. Green olympics before being green was cool.

Wonderful olympics. Well run. Opening g and closing ceremonies were outstanding and very impressive.

10 Seoul 1988 (South Korea)

This was the historical game with re-united between West and East nations.

I pray that South Korea will do an another amazing opening and closing ceremony at PyeongChang 2018.

True to its slogan. Harmony and Progress.

The Contenders
11 Montreal 1976 (Canada)

14 year old Nadia Comaneci scores first perfect ten and wins three Olympic gold medals.

12 Mexico 1968 (Mexico)

Probably one of the most politically moving Olympic Games. I'm surprised this wasn't number one

13 Rome 1960 (Italy)
14 London 1948 (United Kingdom)

A struggling world, devastated, damaged empty, just three years after the end of world war 2 a city moved out of the rubble and reignited the flaming passion for sport everyone has deep down.

The world moved on from horror, and London helped that process. The simple Olympics.

Helped put the world back on it's feet!

15 Berlin 1936 (Germany)

Huge olympics for black athletes.

16 Melbourne 1956 (Australia)
17 Athens 1896 (Greece)
18 Amsterdam 1928 (Netherlands)
19 PyeongChang 2018 (South Korea)
20 Tokyo 1964 (Japan)

The 1964 Summer Games were the first Olympics held in Asia.

21 Tokyo 2020 (Japan)
22 London 1908 (United Kingdom)
23 Los Angeles 1932 (United States)
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