World Championships Wrap Up

After an exciting week of sport in Berlin, the World Championships of Athletics have wrapped up their 12th year. The Olympiastadion (which was recently renovated for the 2006 FIFA World Cup) proved a fantastic venue for the athletes and spectators, though some of the events took place on the streets of Berlin. The marathon and racewalking events took place within the city, with the Brandenburg Gate as a base.

The United States came out on top in medal rankings with an impressive 10 gold medals, 6 silver medals, and 6 bronze medals. Second up was Jamaica, followed by Kenya, Russia and Poland. Host nation Germany came in sixth with 2 gold, 3 silver, and 4 bronze medals.

It was a week of outstanding athletic performances, including the setting of three new world records. Throwing at a distance of 77.96 metres, Anita Wlodarczyk of Poland broke the record in women's hammer throw on August 22nd. On the 16th and 20th, Jamaican track star Usain Bolt sprinted to two separate world records (that he himself had set earlier in his career). Bolt ran 100 metres in 9.58 seconds and 200 metres in 19.19 seconds.

In honor of his achievement, Usain Bolt received a piece of the Berlin Wall from the city of Berlin in a ceremony earlier today.