The Games, set against the backdrop of Brazil’s political and economic crisis, were also hit by security and logistical problems and the unwanted spectacle of swathes of empty seats.
Advertisement
As far as medal toppers are concerned, U.S. dominated the medal table with a tally of 119 (44 gold, 37 silver, 38 bronze) followed by Great Britain (27 gold, 22 silver, 17 bronze) and China (26 gold, 18 silver, 26 bronze) at second and third spot, respectively.
But Sunday served up tough weather conditions for such a big party.
Although hundreds of people, a lot of them with umbrellas, insisted on joining the party with music bands and watching the closing ceremony at the iconic Maracana stadium on a giant screen, thousands gave up and preferred to return to their homes.
Oiled-up Tongan taekwondo competitor Pita Taufatofua also danced on stage in a grass skirt, reprising a moment that captured many people’s attention when he carried the flag during the opening ceremony.
The governor of Tokyo, Yuriko Koike, accepted the flag from International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach and Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes, signaling the transition.
Dancers performed during the presentation of Tokyo 2020 at the closing ceremony of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
While the stadium erupted in applause at that declaration, a few minutes later there were boos of sadness when Bach announced: “I declare the Games of the XXXI Olympiad closed”.
“These Olympic Games are leaving a unique legacy for generations to come”, he said.
Braving the wind and heavy rain of Brazil’s tropical winter, 50,000 spectators witnessed a showcase of Brazilian music and culture in Rio’s iconic Maracana Stadium before the Olympic athletes entered the scene.
The ceremony concluded with a confetti and firework show.
But the beauty was betrayed by Brazil’s tough times. Just this week, the foundation that maintains the park said it could no longer do so because of a lack of funding.
For all the troubles before and during the Games, Rio will surely be remembered for great sporting moments.
There was the remarkable comeback of American swimmer Michael Phelps, who won five golds to reinforce his distinction as the most decorated Olympian of all time.
Bolt sealed the sprint “triple triple” in his final Games, reaching a record-equalling nine gold medals with his third consecutive 100m, 200m and 4x100m sweep.
But at times it was hard to focus on the sporting triumphs taking place across the sprawling city.
Ryan Lochte and the other three US swimmers hijacked media coverage for the second half of the Games by lying about being robbed at gunpoint to cover up for a drunken night.
That prompted further security concerns after a series of assaults against government ministers, athletes and tourists.
But Lochte’s story quickly unravelled, enraging Brazilians and Americans alike.
The average for all 67 medals was £4,096,501 and that’s your top 10.
“Even with all our problems we pulled off a good Olympics”.
“History will talk about a Rio de Janeiro before and a much better Rio de Janeiro after the Olympic Games”.
“I also wish to thank the city of Rio de Janeiro, and the entire country of Brazil, for hosting an incredible Games”, she said. The economy is mired in its worst recession in decades, and later this week the Senate is expected to begin the trial on whether to permanently remove suspended President Dilma Rousseff, who was impeached in May for breaking fiscal rules in her managing of the federal budget.
Advertisement
27 children opened the ceremony by signing Brazil’s national anthem.
