Golden Games End With A Bang

Newcastle Herald

Monday August 25, 2008

GR

AUSTRALIA'S Olympic heroes, led by golden girl Stephanie Rice and lion-hearted pole vaulter Steve Hooker, let their hair down last night as the Beijing Games came to a spectacular conclusion.

Triple gold medallist Rice, who had the honour of carrying the national flag into the stadium (left), and Hooker, our first male track and field gold medallist in 40 years, were among 300 Australian athletes to lap up the mind-blowing closing ceremony.

"I feel so honoured," Rice, 20, said after being selected for the once-in-a-lifetime role.

"We were all just so excited," Hooker said. "What an awesome experience.

The Chinese capital said goodbye to the Games with another stunning display of acrobatics, people power and pyrotechnics.

? MORE REPORTS, PAGE 4

? OLYMPICS LIFTOUT, PAGE 21

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

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