As the 30^th Olympic Games draw to a close, it is time to recapture some of the eye-popping moments the world's biggest sporting extravaganza has provided.

London Olympics 2012 began with a grand opening ceremony on 27 July which was applauded the world over for its exceptional visual treat.

The show directed by Oscar-winning director, Danny Boyle, even captivated viewers by staging a parachute entry for the Queen who officially declared the Games open.

Each day thereafter presented the world with several sporting moments of sheer guts, glory and agony. A number of world records were broken and history created as the world watched with awe and anticipation.

Oscar Pistorius, the South African sprint runner who is also known as "Blade Runner" became the first double amputee to participate in Olympics in the history of the Games.

Pistorius took part in the men's 400 metres race and advanced to the semi-finals while finishing in the second place.

Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt silenced his detractors and critics by retaining his number one position in 100 metres and 200 metres. He also won the gold in 4x100 metres relay along with his team mates.

Dominican hurdler Felix Sanchez ran with the picture of his grandmother and placed it on the track and kissed it when he was declared winner in the 400 metres men's hurdles. The gold medallist sobbed when he stepped on to the podium to receive his medal.

"It started to rain. It made me feel like she was crying tears of joy with me," said Sanchez.

David Rudisha of Kenya reset his world record time in one minute, 40.91 seconds winning the men's 800 metres.

Team GB enjoyed great success at the London Olympics by amassing 28 gold in a number of individual and team events. Britain's gold hunt was led by Andy Murray, Mo Farah, Chris Hoy, Bradley Wiggins and the list goes on.

Take a tour of the golden moments of London Olympics 2012:

1. File photo of parachutist dressed as Queen Elizabeth during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium

South Africa's Oscar Pistorius runs during his men's 400m semi-final at the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium

Jamaica's Usain Bolt reacts after winning the men's 200m final during the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Winner Katie Ledecky of the U.S. celebrates after the women's 800m freestyle final during the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre

Misty May-Treanor of the U.S. and team mate Kerri Walsh Jennings celebrate winning the women's beach volleyball gold medal match at the Horse Guards Parade

Dana Vollmer (L), Rebecca Soni (C), Missy Franklin (R) and Allison Schmitt (in water) of the U.S. celebrate after winning the gold in the women's 4x100m medley relay final with a world record during the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre

Felix Sanchez of the Domican Republic reacts after winning the men's 400m hurdles final at the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium

L-R) Matthew Grevers, Nathan Adrian, Michael Phelps and Brendan Hansen of the U.S. celebrate winning the gold in the men's 4x100m medley relay final during the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre

Britain's Mo Farah holds a Union flag as he celebrates after winning the men's 10,000m final at the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium

Australia's Sally Pearson reacts after she won the women's 100m hurdles final during the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium

McKayla Maroney of the U.S. celebrates with her silver medal in the women's vault victory ceremony in the North Greenwich Arena during the London 2012 Olympic Games

Sandra Raluca Izbasa of Romania performs on the asymmetric bars during the women's individual all-around gymnastics final in the North Greenwich Arena at the London 2012 Olympic Games

Gold medallist Murray of Britain celebrates during the presentation ceremony after winning the men's singles tennis gold medal match against Switzerland's Federer at the All England Lawn Tennis Club during the London 2012 Olympic Games

Gold medallist Douglas of the U.S. waves as she stands on the podium after the women's individual all-around gymnastics final at the London 2012 Olympic Games

Britain's Copeland and Hosking celebrate winning women's lightweight double sculls final of the rowing event.during the London 2012 Olympic Games at Eton Dorney

Britain's Gregory, James, Reed and Hodge celebrate after winning the men's four final of the rowing event during the London 2012 Olympic Games at Eton Dorney

Britain's Ed Mckeever celebrates winning the men's kayak single (K1) 200m final A at the Eton Dorney during the London 2012 Olympic Games

Britain's Chris Hoy celebrates after the track cycling men's keirin finals at the Velodrome during the London 2012 Olympic Games

China's Ye Shiwen poses with her gold medal on the podium during the women's 400m individual medley victory ceremony at the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Aquatics Centre