Advertisement

Rio closes Games with colourful farewell

Fireworks above the Maracana Stadium.

Fireworks above the Maracana Stadium. Photo: Getty.

A blustery storm, a touch of melancholy and a sense of pride converged at the closing ceremony of the 2016 Olympics as Brazil breathed a collective sigh of relief at having pulled off South America’s first Games.

It was far from a perfect execution by Brazil, which battled with empty seats, security scares and a mysterious green diving pool.

But two late gold medals for the host country in its two favourite sports, men’s soccer and volleyball, helped smooth some of the rough edges around the Games for Brazilians.

Photo: Getty

Photo: Getty

From the Maracana where it all began 16 days ago, the final event kicked off with figures dressed as multi-coloured macaws flying over Rio’s world-famous landmarks, Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain, before forming the five Olympic rings.

Photo: G

Photo: Getty. 

A storm that menaced Rio all day sent wind and rain through Brazil’s most storied stadium and the power briefly went out in part of the stadium and the surrounding neighbourhood shortly before the ceremony kicked off.

Photo: Getty

Photo: Getty. 

Rain drenched performers and hundreds of athletes as they entered the party, many with medals hanging around their necks.

To the beat of traditional Brazilian music, Olympians danced and waved their countries’ flags to celebrate their place on the world’s premier sporting stage.

The first Refugee team in Olympic history, one of the biggest crowd-pleasers of the Games, marched in behind the Olympic flag, carried by a Congolese judoka and Rio resident.

Photo: Getty.

Photo: Getty.

This picture shows an overview of fireworks during the closing ceremony of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro on August 21, 2016. / AFP / Antonin THUILLIER (Photo credit should read ANTONIN THUILLIER/AFP/Getty Images)

Photo: Getty.

 

 

 

 

 

Stay informed, daily
A FREE subscription to The New Daily arrives every morning and evening.
The New Daily is a trusted source of national news and information and is provided free for all Australians. Read our editorial charter
Copyright © 2024 The New Daily.
All rights reserved.