"Olympic athletes are our country's ambassadors", said Gianni Petrucci, president of the Italian Olympic Committee (Coni). "It would be normal they receive a special attention," he concluded. Petrucci was pointing to the taxes medal winners have to pay; a levy he wishes to lift. Read more...

The supposedly burning issue of human rights hasn't caused much of a stir in Beijing during the Olympic Games. Yet, on the eve of Games' close, a single athlete expressed his support for Tibet. Poland's weightlifter Szymon Kolecki shaved his head. Read more.

With a potential of 1.5 billion viewers, Chinese broadcast companies won the gold medal in TV audience. Although the national television CCTV has the monopoly, the Games remain a good opportuity for local stations too. Read more

No less than 300,000 official volunteers are in Beijing to help tourists find their way in the capital city. And that's not counting the ones who were not selected but want to show the world that China is ready to welcome them. Read more

The Shanghai stock exchange has been in freefall since the opening ceremony of the Olympics. The composite Index has fallen as much as 11% since August 8, and is now at its lowest level in 20 months. Read more.

Usain Bolt crossed the finish line easily and turned to the crowd, savouring his victory. Formerly a 200-metre specialist, Jamaica's Bolt won the Olympic Games men's 100-metre gold medal, crushing everything in his way. Read more.

Beijing is expecting 500,000 tourists this summer. In order to host the best games, the city has prepared itself to welcome visitors in the best manner. But theory is always easier than reality. Welcome to Beijing! Read more

It was a crushing defeat. Defending champion Laure Manaudou finishing eight seconds behind the gold medal, Britain’s Rebecca Adlington, in the final of the women’s 400m freestyle. The shock was all the greater given that France’s star swimmer was in the lead during the first 150 metres. Meanwhile, the French team found some consolation in Coralie Balmy’s unexpected fourth place, just short of the podium. Read more.

Between installing hyper-security measures and exhorting locals to leave the city, the Chinese government has changed the face of the capital. Take a tour of an empty Beijing. Read more

French gold hopeful Anne-Lise Touya, Frederique Jossinet, Franck Dumoulin... All theses athletes were supposed to mount the podium in Beijing, or at least to win a medal, but failed. At this moment, France is on hold. Read more