RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — The Rio Olympics are officially over following a closing ceremony that was a bit more subdued than the opener.
The athletes danced, smiled and took selfies as they entered the stadium and walked around the arena’s floor during the flag procession. Simone Biles had the honor of carrying the U.S. flag for the ceremony after winning four gold medals.
Once the Olympic cauldron’s flame was extinguished, the stadium turned into a samba-fueled Carnival-like party. Athletes got up from their chairs and danced alongside the costumed performers and a giant float featuring birds.
IOC President Thomas Bach declared the Rio Games over and the Olympic flag was formally handed over to the governor of Tokyo, which will host the 2020 Summer Games.
The ceremony took place on a rainy and windy night in the same venue where Brazil beat Germany on penalty kicks to win a gold medal in men’s soccer just one day earlier.
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