The Rio Olympics ended in a lavish closing ceremony celebrating Brazilian culture and saying goodbye to an impressive year of games that thrilled the world. Britain meanwhile leaves proudly with second place in the medals table and our most successful Olympics endeavour in more than a century.
Rio’s Maracanã stadium was packed with crowds who withstood heavy winds and rain to hear music including the beautiful Brazilian song “Carinhoso” to folk tune forró, coupled with impressive dancers who manoeuvred to perform Christ the Redeemer statue.
Despite previous concerns about the Zika virus, economic inequality and political instability, “The Rio Olympics brought back some hope and joy at a moment of deep national crisis,” said Paulo Sotero, director of the Brazil Institute at Washington-based think-tank the Wilson Center.”
Memorable moments, though not always for the best, include the arrest of Pat Hickey, head of Olympic Council of Ireland, over a supposed ticket scam, and swimmer Ryan Lochte’s claims that he was robbed at gunpoint when he actually drunkenly vandalised in a petrol station. Others included the diving pool turning green, controversial decisions at boxing matches and security problems including a bullet shot at the media tent during the equestrian event.
The handover ceremony occurred where the flag was handed over to Tokyo delegates for the next Olympics that will be held in Tokyo in 2020.
The Olympic flame was finally extinguished by Brazilian singer and actress Mariene de Castro, it was done by artificial rain signifying the importance of tropical waters.
Great Britain blazed through the event with a total of 67 medals and 27 gold medals, coming second place in the medals table behind the USA who finished with 121 medals altogether and 46 golds. China meanwhile came third with 70 medals altogether and 26 golds. Host Brazil scored 19 medals with 7 golds.
Brits who brought home the gold included Mo Farah who won two golds for the 5,000m and 10,000m, Sir Bradley Wiggins achieving eight Olympic medals, fiancés Jason Kenny and Laura Trott who won five medals between them and Andy Murray winning a successful tennis gold for Britain.
As the Olympics come to a close for 2016 we say goodbye to Brazil and hello to Tokyo. The Asian Today will see you in 2020!
