Top Ten Greatest Summer Olympic Games

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 second 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, London was the first to be approached to bail them out if needed.

The first Olympics that were broadcast in HD. The opening drum performance was most spectacular, and Chinese gold medal gymnast winner Li Ning's "fly-walk" around the top of the stadium was never done before.

If you saw the U.S. NBC broadcast at the end, even Bob Costas 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. The only possible serious contender will be Tokyo 2020 if they use all of their global soft power, such as manga characters, Japanese pop music, and traditional festivals.

Set the standard to which Beijing and London attempted to mimic. Truly spectacular games with filled stadiums, a gaggle of volunteers, polished organization, and an unequaled friendliness, sense of security, and magical atmosphere.

London experienced half-filled venues, ordinary weather, and security paranoia. How it is frequently labeled 'the best' Olympics (usually by Brits) is ridiculous.

Sydney's Olympics were the best because the pool was in good condition, the timekeeping was well done, and the commentators were great.

Although the media did all they could to jeopardize 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 the US, Usain Bolt's happiness, the beautiful scenery of Rio, and so many other mesmerizing 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 the people's warmth really suited Brazil's vibe.

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 the Acropolis lit up at night. Truly amazing!

There were better Olympics, but Atlanta pulled it off very well.

The opening and closing ceremonies rocked! Competitions were intense. The city suffered from lackluster architecture and some logistical problems, but they were 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. Too bad there won't be another one here for a long time.

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.

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

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

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

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

A struggling world, devastated, damaged, and empty, just three years after the end of World War II, 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 its feet!

Huge Olympics for black athletes.

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