How Rio De Jeneiro Brought Down The 2016 Olympic Curtain In An Epic Style

After years of anticipation and speculation, months of expectation and weeks of competition,  the city of Rio De Janeiro brought down the Olympic curtain with a colourful display of fireworks, samba dance and street-style carnival dancing.

Fireworks

The games which had initially been overshadowed by Zika virus concerns and drug allegations and had led to a blanket ban on Russia Paralympics ended when the flame was extinguished by a simulated rain,  and the flag was handed over to the governor of Tokyo.

The 2016 games saw many highlights, where titles were defended and new champions crowned, as long-standing  records were smashed and new ones established.

The United States of America topped the medals table with 46 golds. But perhaps, the most exciting news was Great Britain who won 27 gold medals beating the Chinese by a medal and surpassing their 2012 total medal gain by 2.

Names like Adam Peaty of Great Britain and Michael Phelps of the  United States of America were among the wonder workers. They smashed existing records and set new records in swimming. Andy Murray, Nichola Adams, Usain Boat and Mo Farah are among others who made history by retaining their titles. The Great Britain cycling team too did a wonderful job of clinching many medals. Fiji rugby players in the Ruby 7 and the Great Britain women's hockey team include those who were crowned new champions.

But there were disappointments too. The two-time champion, Jessica Ennis failed to retain her title, settling for a silver medal in her competition. And Tom Daley, the British diver who had topped the heat in the individual competition failed to qualify for the real business. Then the British 4X4 relay team were disqualified.

Following that legendary performance, Usain Bolt cast a dark shadow on the sports by announcing his retirement from the games. And Jessica Enis hinted her departure too. But with some of these great athletes disappearing from the games radial, what is  2020 competition going to be like?

Well, after his speech, the International Olympic President handed transferred the Olympic flag to the governor of Tokyo. And Tokyo provided a glimpse of the coming attraction with the president of Tokyo descending into the stadium as the character, Super Mario. This was followed by a display of performance by Tokyo, providing the taste of what lied ahead.

After the  national anthem, the IOC president presented a delegation of 6 volunteers with the Olympic cup on behalf of the nation of IOC. Then the party started, bringing the two and half weeks of  competition, drama, passion and a few marriage proposal to a great and jubilant end.        

                                   

And if at the beginning of the competition there were any doubts of Brazil hosting the event to perfection, Brazil has in the end silenced her critiques in a much stylished manner. Well done Rio De Jeneiro.