What Happened on August 12, 2008

Historical Events

World Record

American super-swimmer Michael Phelps wins his 3rd of 8 gold medals at the Beijing Olympics when he takes the 200m freestyle in world record 1:42.96

American swimmer Natalie Coughlin becomes the first to successfully defend the gold medal in the women's 100 m backstroke when she wins event at the Beijing Olympics

Olympic Games

An American 1-2 in the 100m backstroke at the Beijing Olympics with Aaron Peirsol swimming a world record 52.54 to beat teammate Matt Grevers

Agreement of Interest

Russo-Georgian War: Nicolas Sarkozy, the President of France, negotiates ceasefire agreement between Russia and Georgia, ending a brief war after 5 days of hostilities

Events in 2008

Famous Deaths

(June) "Christie" Allen, British-Australian pop singer (Goosebumps), dies of pancreatic cancer at 54
Donald Erb, American composer known for large orchestral works, dies at 81

Died in 2008 2008 Highlights