Historical Events
- An American 1-2-3 in the 400m hurdles at the Beijing Olympics; Angelo Taylor wins gold in 47.25 ahead of Kerron Clement and Bershawn Jackson
- Belarus weightlifter Andrei Aramnau breaks 3 world records, for the snatch, clean & jerk, and total, on the way to winning the men's 105kg gold medal at the Beijing Olympics
- Emulating the Chinese women, the men win the team table tennis gold medal at the Beijing Olympics without losing a match; win all 10 singles and all 5 doubles matches
- President of Pakistan Pervez Musharaf resigns due to pressure from opposition
- Russian pole-vaulter Yelena Isinbayeva sets a new world record of 5.05m to win the gold medal at the Beijing Olympics; her 24th world record
Famous Deaths
- Pervis Jackson, American pop and R&B singer (The Spinners, 1954-2008 - "Games People Play"), dies of brain and liver cancer at 70
Died in 2008 2008 Highlights
About August 18, 2008
Day of the Week: Monday
How Long Ago? 15 years, 8 months and 11 days
Leap Year: Yes
Generation: Generation Z
Chinese Zodiac: Rat
Star Sign: Leo
Music Charts
#1 Song: Disturbia - Rihanna
#1 Song: I Kissed A Girl - Katy Perry
