ENTERTAINMENT
THE BEST AND WORST MOMENTS FROM THE 2016 RIO OLYMPICS CLOSING CEREMONY
It’s time to say goodbye to the 2016 summer games.
After two weeks filled with nail-biting races, emotional medal ceremonies and new world records, it was time for Rio to host the closing ceremony and conclude competition.
Broadcast on NBC, the ceremony hosted by Ryan Seacrest, Mike Tirico and Mary Carillo helped showcase the art of the people of Brazil while also celebrating all of the athletes’ accomplishments.
And while a few showers hit the stadium during the event, it didn’t prevent athletes from snapping selfies, singers from performing and Rio putting on a memorable show.
In case you missed any of the telecast, we have all the highlights from Team USA and beyond. Take a look at all the buzz-worthy moments below.
1. Simone Biles’ Big Honor: After winning gold with the Team USA gymnastics team, the athlete received the task of holding our country’s flag during closing ceremony. When not snapping selfies with fans from all around the world, the gymnast walked in awe of her surroundings. And yes, she even got a special message from President Barack Obama. “Couldn’t be prouder of #TeamUSA,” he wrote on Twitter. “Your determination and passion inspired so many of us. You carried that flag high tonight, @Simone_Biles!”
2. Perfect Accessory: While we loved Ralph Lauren’s designs for Team USA’s opening ceremony, ponchos were an absolute must during tonight’s ceremony. “#Olympics closing ceremony is starting to look like a giant poncho party,” one viewer tweeted. “Or maybe they’ll bust out a giant slip n slide #Rio!”
3. He’s Back: After leaving quite the impression during the parade of nations at the opening ceremonies, Team Tonga flag bearer Pita Taufatofua returned without his shirt. As for all the attention he received in the past two weeks, Pita is just a little surprised. “I was walking through the opening ceremony, and someone came up to me, they were just taking photos nonstop, and they said to me, ‘You know you’re trending on Twitter in every major country?'” he toldToday. “Once I had a look, it had just gone everywhere.”
4. Countdown to 2020: During the ceremony, the International Olympic Committee President joined the leader of Rio to officially pass on the hosting role to the governor of Tokyo. Before the Olympic flag was handed over, however, credit had to be given to event organizers in Rio. “These games are leaving a unique legacy for many generations to come,” Thomas Bach shared. “The International Olympic Committee would like to honor the people who made this miracle happen.”
5. Rain, Rain Go Away: While the athletes and event organizers made it work, we’re more than a little bummed that the forecast didn’t call for clear skies Sunday night. After watching beach volleyball, track and field and more events in the sun, it would have been the cherry on top to a special evening. But hey, Rio can’t control the weather.
6. Music to Our Ears: It’s not a closing ceremony without some euphonious music from the host country. You may know Kygo from his hit singles “Firestone” and “Stole the Show.” But on Sunday night, the tropical pop artist and Julia Michaels came together to perform “Carry Me.” Oh, and did we mention they did it in pouring rain?
7. Ready to Runway: Step aside, Gisele Bündchen. There’s another supermodel turning heads at a ceremony. During Rio’s carnival, Izabel Goulart strutted her stuff as loud music blasted through the arena and athletes participated in spontaneous conga lines. “It’s almost show time!!!” the beauty wrote before her big moment. “I am so anxious!!”
8. Empty Seats: Some viewers couldn’t help but notice rows of empty seats in the lower level. Event organizers said the event was sold out leaving us to wonder if it was done on purpose for visual reasons. Whatever the case may be, we hope as many people as possible were able to watch what turned out to be an overall great show.
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