BEIJING has staged a remarkable Olympic Games. From the astounding opening ceremony, though a fortnight of fantastically well organised sport, to yesterday’s closing event it has been a Games to remember.

China has a long way to go to meet the standards of human rights enjoyed by those of us in the West.

But having the eyes of the world upon it and opening itself up to visitors from across the world in the last couple of weeks can be no bad thing.

In sporting terms, the Beijing Games have been hugely successful for Britain.

Our competitors are bringing home the best haul of medals for a century and we have dominated sports such as cycling, sailing and rowing.

The challenge for Britain now, of course, is how to follow what has happened in Beijing when London stages the Games in 2012.

It will be a tough task in terms of both competition and organisation.

Our athletes have set a remarkably high standard but the aim will be to win even more medals on home soil.

It should not be an unrealistic goal.

In terms of organisation, however, London should not even attempt to outdo Beijing.

The 2012 Games should be about Britain welcoming the world rather than trying to be more spectacular than the Chinese.

It is a huge challenge and a huge opportunity – and the last fortnight has whetted the nation’s appetite for what is to come four years from now.