Three-time gold medalist Usain Bolt

8. Ato Bolton, track and field commentator. Who better to analyze Usain Bolt’s history making than a guy who’s been there? Bolton had superior insight.

7. Chinese diver Guo Jingjing. The diver’s personal life has been endlessly scrutinized, but no one in the Olympics performed with such precision.

6. Technology. The touch pad timing in swimming, freeze frame in diving and robotic camera detailing side views in track sprints provided mesmerizing viewing.

5. The women’s gold medal match in the beach volleyball won by the United States. It was superior athletic competition. Long rallies, sportsmanship, all-round fun.

4. Jason Lezak’s final 50 meters in the 4×100-meter free relay. He overcame nearly a body-length deficit, allowed Michael Phelps to secure his second of eight gold medals and set the tone for all of the Olympics’ finest moments.

3. Bob Costas. The host of NBC’s prime time coverage handled hard news, soft news and controversy as a pro’s pro. He mixed in humor and often was too quick for his own colleagues. But Dude, NBC can afford it. Get a wardrobe makeover.

2. Michael Phelps’ eight gold medals and seven world records. It was among the greatest Olympic performances in history. And, oh, he may earn $100 million because of it. Not bad for a week’s work.

1. Usain Bolt’s dominance. The Jamaica runner’s final races in the 100 meters, 200 meters and 4×100-meter relay took about 40 seconds total. The result: three gold meals, three world records. Nobody close. Enough said.