Have the Athens Olympics been a success?

The 28th Olympic Games officially came to an end in Athens with a spectacular closing ceremony on Sunday

Team GB won 30 medals, the best tally since Los Angeles in 1984, which was hit by an Eastern Bloc boycott.

The latest successes came from Kelly Holmes's second gold, in the 1500m final, and Britain's men's relay team who took gold in the 4x100m final.

On Sunday Britain's 17-year-old Amir Khan took silver in boxing's lightweight division after losing 30-22 to Cuban Mario Kindelan.

Have the Athens Olympics been a success? What are your memories of the various sporting events? How has Team GB performed? Are the Games still the greatest sports show on Earth?

This debate is now closed. Read a selection of your comments below.

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The following comments reflect the balance of opinion we have received so far:

Yes a great success, I enjoyed every minute. I hope the Greeks enjoy paying for it over the coming years.
Rex Lester, Chessington UK

Wouldn't it be an idea to hold the games in the same place rather than waste money and resources building facilities that no one wants or needs? The idea of countries bidding could continue with the facilities being upgrades and renewed by the 'host' nation. These games were great, if a little warm for some, so why not build on that success? Alternatively place the games on the Maldives - then people would have to take global warming seriously!
Heather D, Llandrindod, Wales

My kids (8 and 5) loved it, cheering on every race and competitor. We loved watching any of the Games we happened to catch - cheering and clapping on any competitor who was doing well, no matter their country. The poor security at the end on the Marathon and the boo-ing crowd during a race final spoiled it for us - a stain on the otherwise great Games. Pity there was no Fencing on!!
Frank Bradshaw, Horsham, UK

I would have said with the fireworks at the end alone it was a success but everything went so well, even for team GB, we won enough precious metals to keep our economy out of the red for a good while. Well done all
Kenneth Ferguson, Isle of Lewis, Scotland

All in all a big success, with the best moment being Amir Khan Keith, Belfast, N Ireland

To those who posted negative comments about Paula Radcliff, they are frankly undeserved. The doubters should try running a marathon in the searing Greek heat and see how far they get! All in all a big success, with the best moment being Amir Khan. That 17-year-old will have a great future ahead of him!
Keith, Belfast, N Ireland

I want to congratulate all the participants from India for their courage and hard work. I also want all the athletes to know that despite all the negative reviews most of them have received; it is the essence of sportsmanship and friendship that makes the games memorable. Well done!
S Kaur, Pennsylvania, USA

When I saw the athletes' efforts coming true and getting a medal as a reward, I felt extremely touched by them and nearly burst into tears as if I had experienced their strenuous and harsh experience too. I think the Olympics can send a message of love to all the people in the world. I liked the Athens Olympics.
Hawa, Hong Kong

In terms of a well run games... one of the best. More dopers caught than ever, security in dangerous times. Above all the games must go on.
Joseph Green, Barry, South Wales

The Athens games were amazing. I cannot remember a sporting occasion that induced same sense of awe and enthusiasm since the first Olympics I can recall watching as a child (Munich '72). A spectacle that rekindles those childhood feelings must have a special kind of magic. Athens had it by the bucket load. Probably the best games ever. Well done athletes! Well done Greece! Well done BBC!
John Lancashire, Reading, UK

As a Brit abroad, I was not interested at first but the excellent performances by Kelly Holmes and the 4x100 team really got me into the spirit. Well done GB.
Andy, Canada

If only all international affairs were conducted in such a civilised way Martin, London, UK

Yes, Britain has done well this time. But who cares? What matters is that there have been fewer problems with drugs, and lots of good sport, from every nation. If only all international affairs were conducted in such a civilised way!
Martin, London, UK

The Games were an absolute delight! For every "scandal" there were around 150 athletes from all over the world that poured their heart and soul into the competition and they are the ones to focus on and celebrate! Congratulations to them all!
LR, USA

Extremely successful games for the European Union as we took about 300 medals during the 16 days of sport! Well done!!
Michael, Kent, UK, EU

I feel embarrassed that we couldn't even produce someone capable of completing a marathon or 10km. They should have sent the guy in the diver suit - at least he would have finished the race!
Geoff Walsh, Aldershot, UK

One has to be pleasantly surprised by the results of our athletes, especially if they are all funded as poorly as the club that Amir Khan comes from, if anything is amiss it is the disgraceful funding that our sports clubs get from authorities. How can we hope to compete on these terms?
Micheal , England

The Olympics failed their mission when the IOC allowed Iran to refuse to compete against Israel without sanctions. Anti-Semitism reared its ugly head and the world once again failed to condemn it.
Lisa Starrfield, Gregory, USA

Congratulations to the Greeks Ken, England UK

Yes they have been a success. Congratulations to the Greeks and to our GB team who did well.
Ken, England UK

Congratulations to Amir Khan for his superb silver medal. For a moment, I thought he was going to give up after the third round, complaining the boxing ring was too hot.
Judy Hipkiss, London, England

Contrary to so many doubters Athens Olympics have proved to be for the athletes and the spectators an amazing experience. Two weeks of great and unique partying. Pity for all these foreign people who didn't make it to the games for all these reasons of doubt, fear and lack of belief. How many such opportunities for fun, pure enjoyment, great spectacle and peace can one have in a life time?
Rania Papoutsani-Kontos, Athens, Greece

Athena should smile down on her beloved Athens Brendan Chilton, Ashford, Kent, Great Britain

The Glorious Golden Age of Greece has shone again. The Gods themselves should be proud, Athena should smile down on her beloved Athens.
Brendan Chilton, Ashford, Kent, Great Britain

Well done to the Greeks for putting on a spectacular show, despite all the pre-Olympic criticism.
Shiva, Los Angeles, CA

Congratulations Greece, on such a successful Olympics. I really believe these Games were the best ever. I enjoyed watching many countries' teams perform such as, China, Romania, Australia, GB, and Japan as well as the US. Great job to everyone around the world!
Jenna, Texas, USA

How would you measure success? The establishment of higher athletic standards (improved records)? The number of people who thought their lives had been enriched by the games? Or by the amount of profit made?
Phil, UK

Kelly Holmes has finally realised her dream M Cooper, Milton Keynes, England

The Olympics has been a great success for all that have been privileged to witness it. This wouldn't have been the case if it wasn't for the hard work of the athletes who spend hours training for that one moment of hopeful glory. Kelly Holmes has finally realised her dream and it took years of injury and sheer bad luck to do it, let's hope Paula Radcliffe can recover and follow in Kelly's footsteps in Beijing! Everyone has a bad day at work, and I'm sure 90% of the British public wouldn't be able to run to their car in Athens in scorching heat, let alone even think about attempting a marathon!
M Cooper, Milton Keynes, England

Are a hurried games preparation -costing many more lives and more money than it would have if taken more seriously and carried out in good time - and, when finally the so eagerly awaited games begin, empty sporting venues and the booing of other athletes (see 200m final) things to be so proud of?
Harry Koutsolioutsos, Coventry, UK

It's obvious that lottery funding has made a huge difference Paul Rooney, Glasgow, Scotland

I think the British team have done fabulously well. It's obvious that lottery funding has made a huge difference and we can now compete with the best in the world. Highlight so far has been Kelly Holmes's double. What a star she is. Low point was Paula Radcliffe who was an absolute disgrace with her "no medal won't run" attitude.
Paul Rooney, Glasgow, Scotland

The two superpowers did well where needed: China showing they will probably overhaul the USA on home ground in 08, and the expected anti-Americanism did not materialise.
Drew, Ontario, Canada

I am an expat-Bedfordian and was proud of Paula. But the treatment of her by the press was pitiful.
Peter, Panama

The Olympics is about setting the highest standards and putting in the highest effort. This has been witnessed time and time again this Olympics, and is visible in the tears of the champions and the also-rans alike. Alfie Noakes should be proud of the fantastic work of Team GB, including Paula and all the other athletes beaten on the day.
Richard Kelly, Cambridge, UK

Where was the fencing coverage? Why didn't the BBC show any fencing?!
George, Harrow, UK

The true qualities of sport are lost in the sponsorship of greed and avarice. But that should not detract from true effort and occasionally we see the real values. Go Kelly
Bryan Lambe, Livingston

It has been great to see the medals across all sports, coming from areas we never even thought would provide success. For such a small dot of land it is wonderful. Just check out the other teams and how many of them are on "sports degrees" in the US etc. Well done all the sportsmen and Woman, we are proud of you all.
Barry Eva, Englishman in CT , USA

As a Brazilian living in Belgium I was shocked by the disgraceful attack on the Brazilian athlete during the Marathon. Greece can never live this down. Where was the escort and why did it take them so long to react?
Elizenil De Matos Candido, Belgium

I think they have been a success until the final afternoon, where a protestor ruined the chances for a Brazilian Gold in the men's marathon Mike Layer, Watford, UK

I think they have been a success until the final afternoon, where a protestor ruined the chances for a Brazilian Gold in the Men's Marathon. The policing was dreadful, and the spectators helped the Brazilian runner more than the authorities did at all!! An awful end to such an amazing games!
Mike Layer, Watford, UK

There is nothing that unites the world quite like the Olympics. The Greeks have been tremendous hosts and team GB have shown valiant effort (despite the enormous criticism). Congratulations to all the GB athletes. Looking forward to the next games and hope that the great British public will be more inclined to support those who work so hard to achieve sporting greatness, whatever the final result!
GB, UK

I finally gave up on the Olympics, not because they were bad - far from it. But the TV coverage in the USA was infuriating - 5 minutes of people talking about how great the next event was going to be followed by 2 minutes of car and beer ads followed by another five minutes of talk. We occasionally got to see one gymnastics performance or one race between talk and ads. I guess the only way to see the Olympics is to go to the host city or watch on TV in the UK.
John Mycroft, Asheville, USA

One of the greatest spectacles of the year, to watch the world come together in a peaceful sports event. Well done to all the athletes to show the courage to perform in front of the world.
Esra Karatash Alpay, Istanbul, Turkey

I was in Athens and I enjoyed every minute of it! Jan , Germany

Of course, the Athens Games were a great success! I was in Athens and I enjoyed every minute of it! My friends and I only have the best things to say about the Greek organisation (and their fantastic mood!).The Greeks surely know how to party, unlike many other countries in Europe, which can only pinpoint ''the usual negative things'' in every effort a country makes.
Jan , Germany

I have never witness so many judging blunders and disgraceful public attitude in any other game. If the above reasons aren't good enough you just have to look at the empty stands. Was it a success? Not really.
Alex, Bolton, UK

The Olympics are over and everyone should admit that they were excellently organized. Fears of disastrous and dangerous games never came true. Please don't forget, we invented the games and we know best!!!
George Kefalas, Southampton UK

A fantastic Olympic and fantastic achievements by the Chinese team!! ( well, have to say it being Chinese). Team GB was great too especially Kelly Holmes. She run so well. And have I said it was a great Olympic?
Jun, London

Athens 2004 has been just magic. Well done, Greece! You deserve the gold medal!
Dimitrios Nikolaou, London

The farcical nature of the metals awarded was epitomized by the men's marathon - where the Brazilian leader was cheated out of his gold by a crazy guy on the street and nothing was done about it!
JB, Santa Fe, USA

I think Kelly Holmes is great and I want to be just like her when I grow up.
Danielle Holmes, Wales, Cardiff

I really think this was the best Olympics ever! Terry Barns, Omaha, USA

I must admit that I really thought that Greece wasn't going to pull this one off, but I have been proven wrong. They deserve all praise; I really think this was the best Olympics ever! Hurrah Greece!
Terry Barns, Omaha, USA

Let me be the first to admit I was wrong to think the Olympics would not come off well. I thought there was too much money, to much drugs, to many highly paid professional athletes. Greece and the participating nations and their athletes were a stunning and inspiring success. Sure there were some glitches, some mistakes but overall the athletes performed in a sportsmen like manner and there was commendable good will and spirited rivalry. At least in this instance the world was able to come together and compete with remarkable integrity and sportsmanship. Olympic laurels to all.
Reginald Armstrong, Amarillo, USA

The Athens's games have given only small indication of what to expect from China's athletes in 2008. Athens's Olympic committee did brilliant job with the games!
YuJen, Hong Kong

I would have liked to have seen the BBC coverage showing more medal ceremonies for countries other than just the UK
Alan Asbridge, Glastonbury, UK

I am usually against too much sport on TV but I have enjoyed every minute of the Athens Olympics Wright, Amersham, Buckinghamshire

I am usually against too much sport on TV but I have enjoyed every minute of the Athens Olympics and as far as I am concerned, the best ever TV coverage. I will be disappointed when they come to an end this evening
Wright, Amersham, Buckinghamshire

Sorry but the thought of athletes enhancing performance with drugs and for sure there are some who have not been caught turns me right off.
Graham Moir, Ladysmith Canada

Not really! Billions of dollars wasted putting Greece into penury while ignoring Aids globally, Darfur, global starvation of children, and international poverty. For some trinkets?
Kish Hahn, Waterloo, Canada

I was a volunteer during the 1984 Olympics in LA and thoroughly enjoyed the spirit of the Games and meeting people from all over the world. I wish I could have attended the Olympics this year in Athens, but alas, could not. I admire all the athletes who worked their whole lives to get to this point and wish them well, whatever nationality they may be. I commend the Greeks for hosting a successful and fun Olympics. I'm especially proud of Natalie Coughlin of the US, who was my cousin's roommate in college at UC Berkeley. Go Bears!
John, Los Angeles, California

For the last two weeks I have lived and slept the Games Jo E, England

These Olympics have been the most entertaining for as long as I can remember. For the last two weeks I have lived and slept the Games. I am in total awe of all the participants, but most of all the GB team. From diving to rowing, from cycling to running, they were all awesome. Well done team GB, well done everyone who took part, well done BBC and well done Athens.
Jo E, England

Even with all the medals we've won during the Olympic Games, one athlete is going to be remembered above all others, and for a very long time. Paula Radcliffe. Unfortunately, she'll be remembered for all the wrong reasons.
Dave, Doncaster, UK

Yes, the Olympics still reign supreme. Team GB have performed brilliantly. More money from the lottery fund please!! Sports facilities for everyone has surely got to be money well spent, especially with child obesity on the increase!!!
Annemarie Hoyle, Chorley, England

I think we should at least try to beat this medal tally by the next games in 2008 Steve Kite, Bournemouth

Well done to Team GB. Yes, I think the games are the greatest because they bring the world closer together. My memories are of Kelly Holmes' marvellous achievements in the 800m and 1500m. Team GB have performed well but they should do better. I think we should at least try to beat this medal tally by the next games in 2008 and should look at these results as the start of something great for the future.
Steve Kite, Bournemouth

The Games have been okay but not the best ever. Several outstanding moments in many sports and some excellent performances by the GB team. The one weak area I feel has been the officials. Several poor scores and diabolical decisions have cost some of the participants four years' hard work. Oh, and wasn't it unfortunate that the American basketball team missed out on gold?!
Dave Hartley, Maidstone UK

We sent over 270 people that we can be proud of... oh, and Paula.
Alfie Noakes, North of England, UK

The Olympic "games" are a drugs festival - nothing more. To think anything else is naive.
Steve, Basingstoke, England

I hated all the people that were accusing the Greeks of running late Nick Vlastaris, Ipswich UK

I am very pleased that the Olympic Games went as expected. I hated all the people that were accusing the Greeks of running late and that they would not be ready for the games, which was nonsense. We proved that we can do as good a job, or even better, than any other nation and finally all the critics should shut up and apologise for complaining so much.
Nick Vlastaris, Ipswich UK

I haven't been back to Athens for many years - my daughter leaned to walk on the Acropolis. Even then I thought that Athens was a very nice city. Now, with all of the improvements needed to host the Olympics, it will be a great place to visit. Also, one cannot overlook the significance of holding the games where they started. A great country and a wonderful people.
Neal, Lansing, USA

I applaud the effort and celebration of sport and friendship. Wouldn't it have been more sporting and friendly if Olympic merchandising was not made in sweat shops?
Bilal, London

For the first time in living memory the Greeks, and I amongst them, are proud to be Greek! Stelios Haji-Ioannou, London, UK

For the first time in living memory the Greeks, and I amongst them, are proud to be Greek! This should have a long-lasting effect for the benefit of the nation! Now it's cool to be Greek!
Stelios Haji-Ioannou, London, UK

When you witness truly unexpected events such as the GB victory in the 4x100m, you realise just how wonderful these games have been. Despite the various scandals off the track, the Athenians have done themselves proud and they'll be remembered rather fondly in years to come.
Tom, Rochester

Carole from the UK who is happy she missed this "silly spectacle" is definitely the loser. The winners are we privileged spectators, all the competitors and, of course, Athens. Well done BBC, brilliant coverage on both TV and Radio. But I would like Brendan Foster to stop his incessant talking - he's not on radio and we can see what's happening!
Brian Edwards, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

Paula Radcliffe is a great athlete and should not feel that she has let us down Roger, Oxford

I think GB did very well, particularly the black and Asian competitors. Paula Radcliffe is a great athlete and should not feel that she has let us down but next time let's not waste money sending Tim Henman.
Roger, Oxford

For me, it was nowhere near as good as Sydney four years ago. I thought the behaviour of the Greek crowd before the start of the men's 200m final was disgraceful. Booing eight men who earnt their place in that final without the need for drugs was not how a supposedly sport-embracing nation should act
Max, London

I feel I must say thanks to the British Olympic team for the heart and soul they have all put into their performances. They have really been great - especially Kelly Holmes and the 4x100 men's relay team. Brilliant.
Valerie, England

I nor colleagues and family have watched this silly spectacle and from the small bits on the news realise that we have missed nothing at all.
Carole, UK

The highlight for me has to be Amir Khan getting to the final Tyra, London

Yes the Olympics have been a success especially for Team GB. The highlight for me has to be the only Asian in the team, Amir Khan, getting to the final. It's great to see people from all races, all over the United Kingdom supporting him. I wish him all the best for Sunday, whatever medal he brings home.
Tyra, London

We sent 270+ competitors to Athens and approx 1/5 of them will return home with a medal. I think that's a pretty good haul. But I think we apply too much pressure to our hopefuls. Let's not build them up before the event and save the praise for when it's deserved afterwards.
Elaine Hogan, Edinburgh, UK

Being Greek and knowing how Greeks work, I never had a doubt in my mind that the Athens Olympics would be a success, despite the fact that construction was taking place until the last hours before the opening! Beyond the success of the Games, the legacy left for Athens, a city that used to look old, dirty and well... with the public transport from hell, is what matters the most. Athens looks beautiful and attractive both for the millions of people who visit it every year and its residents. A job well done!!
Panagiotis Vagenas, London, UK

The Olympic Games is always great but I think it's been especially good this time as a British supporter as we didn't have such high expectations. Therefore the medals we have achieved have been very exciting and all the more appreciated, as were any good placings.
Judy Malone, Bristol, England

The glory of the Olympics in their homeland Dr. John L Collins, London, UK

My son Aidan (age 7) and I visited the Olympics whilst on holiday in the Greek Cycladic islands; what a marvellous spectacle it is! The glory of the Olympics in their homeland, a spectacular opening ceremony - visually stunning and superbly performed - incredible arenas full of the world's best sportsmen and sportswomen, incredibly well managed in every respect in a sparkling Athens! Of course it's been a success and has shown that - despite considerable anti-Greek sentiments around the Olympics beforehand - the Greeks have pulled a very sizable and beautiful rabbit out of a wonderfully rebuilt hat, truly the greatest sports show on Earth.
Dr. John L Collins, London, UK

I would say that the Team GB's performances have been much better than I was anticipating. However, I would say that the Men's Athletics team has been woeful.
Chloe Sanderson, Eindhoven, The Netherlands

Successful - yes, but there are two areas for improvement. First the organisers need to improve safety standards during construction. Far too many people were killed or injured building the facilities. In the Games themselves the judging of the subjective events needs to be clearer so that there is never any doubt that the medals have really gone to the best competitors.
Russell O'Brien, Nottingham, England

It was great to see the pride of the Greek people Barbara, IL, USA

I thought the Olympics were a success. The TV coverage was good. It was great to see the pride of the Greek people. I really enjoyed watching the venues. I love the swimming, diving, and all the gymnastics. This time I watched water polo for the first time and thought it was interesting. I didn't get into the shooting, but though the canoeing and white water rafting was great. I loved all the volleyball. Track and field isn't my favourite, but I found that interesting too. The only thing that concerns me is the judging. That doesn't always seem to be up to par.
Barbara, IL, USA

Yes, these games have been a huge success. The venues and facilities have been fantastic, particularly the beautiful Olympic stadium. The opening ceremony was the best to date. From a British point of view the games haven't been as successful as I'd hoped - we haven't beaten the gold medals total that we achieved in Sydney. However, seven golds and the chance of two more before it ends is very decent.
Michael, Liverpool, UK

The Olympics this year appear to have been pulled off well in most instances, but scoring seemed to be a common weakness in some events. It's a shame that Greek bitterness over the pre-game events overshadowed the 200m final.
Andrew Bell, Edinburgh, UK

These games were okay, but spoiled for me by the excessive hype over Paula Radcliffe failing to finish the races. Don't the press have anything better to talk about? The heat got the better of her... so what!! Kelly Holmes' win for me was the crowning achievement, and I'd like to see Amir Khan take the gold medal. One thought though - there are now so many events in the Olympics, beach volleyball and the like... how (and where) could the UK host these games, especially with the unpredictable summer weather??
Alvin Shillingford, London, UK

Although the British team performed better then some sections of the media predicted, for the amount of money spent on sport we should be beating teams such as Ukraine and South Korean in the medal table. On another note it is time the BBC learnt that a British athlete can perform badly, and when they do perform badly it is ok to admit this.
Mark, Cambridge