The Beijing Summer Games: closing ceremony

Illuminated characters dance, march and ride uniwheel cycles in the Bird’s Nest during the closing ceremony.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

A spectacle of light and motion is in full view at the closing ceremony. Illuminated people riding single-wheel vehicles scatter about the National Stadium infield.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Men beat on large suspended drums to open the ceremony.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Volunteers relax outside the Bird’s Nest stadium during the closing ceremony.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

A performer jumps while wearing flexible stilts as silver-and-yellow-clad dancers stand nearby during the ceremony.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

A bronze-medal-winning French athlete romps on to the National Stadium field during the closing ceremony.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

A performer for the closing ceremony takes a break outside the Bird’s Nest stadium at the Olympics.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Another performer, illuminated and wearing stilts, rests outside the stadium.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

U.S. archer Khatuna Lorig carries in the American flag during the closing ceremony.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Chinese basketball star Yao Ming snaps a photo of fellow athletes during the closing ceremony.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

London Mayor Boris Johnson waves the Olympic flag symbolizing the Games’ transfer from China to England during closing ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

An energetic group of Canadian athletes enjoy their time on the National Stadium field during the 2008 Beijing Olympics closing ceremony.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Fireworks and a big structure in the middle of the National Stadium highlight the 2008 Beijing Olympics closing ceremony.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)