BEIJING--The Beijing Olympics has witnessed so many superlative performances, most of which are set to go down in history.

1. Michael Phelps - most titled athlete

A combination photo shows Michael Phelps of the U.S. holding each of his eight gold medals in the swimming competition at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. Phelps won his eighth gold medal on Sunday, beating Mark Spitz's record of seven gold medals won at a single Games in 1972. The medals were won in: (Top row L-R) 400m individual medley (August 10), 4x100m freestyle relay (August 11), 200m freestyle (August 12), 200m butterfly (August 13). (Bottom row L-R) 4x200m freestyle relay (August 13), 200m individual medley (August 15), 100m butterfly (August 16), and 4x100m medley relay (August 17).[Agencies]

Michael "Super Fish" Phelps swept eight gold medals in as many days and is behind seven new world records. His races were watched by U.S. President George Bush and the world's richest person Bill Gates, while famous tennis player Serena Williams wants his autograph. The word, Phelpsian, has been coined, meaning unprecedented victory.