Swimmer Kiera Aitken, arguably the most successful Bermudian at the Beijing Games, was last night rewarded by Bermuda Olympic Association (BOA) who chose her to carry the flag at a dazzling Closing Ceremony in the Bird's Nest.

The 24-year-old Bermudian marched into the National Stadium along with flagbearers from 204 other countries, with her team-mates and officials following shortly after.

Aitken launched Bermuda's campaign two days after the Opening Ceremony with a sensational swim which saw her slash one and a half seconds off her own national 100 metres backstroke record.

But neither she nor four of her team-mates who had to compete in qualifying heats advanced to the next round.

"Aitken is to be congratulated for a very positive and mature approach to her sport, which continues to reap results and accolades for her performance," read a statement released by the BOA's Chef de Mission Phil Guishard.

Thousands of competitors danced, sung and partied late into the night after International Olympic Committee chief Jacques Rogge officially ended the two-week festival, declaring the Games "truly exceptional".

London, hosts of the next Games in 2012, gave a glimpse of what the world can expect in four years' time when a red double-decker bus was driven into the Stadium, the roof collapsing to provide a stage.

From there a slightly bewildered-looking David Beckham fired a football into the crowd while Led Zeppelin rock icon Jimmy Page combined with singer Leona Lewis to thrill some 90,000 spectators with another rendition of the band's smash hit 'A Whole Lotta Love'.

Among those soaking up the atmosphere was star sprinter Usain Bolt who set world records in both the 100 metres and 200 metres but was then, in many people's opinion, harshly criticised by Rogge for "showboating". But the Jamaican silenced the IOC boss as he donated $50,000 of his own money to children in the earthquake-stricken province of Sichaun.

Two children from Sichaun, confined to wheelchairs after the quake which killed an estimated 70,000 people and left some 18,000 missing, gifted their paintings to Bolt.

"They are kids. They deserve a better future," said Bolt. "I just want to help them. I look forward to more people coming out and helping them."