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The Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics have come to an in depth at a vibrant ceremony within the Chinese language capital the place IOC president Thomas Bach thanked the hosts for what he described as a “really distinctive” version of the Video games.
After greater than two weeks of motion, the Olympic flame was extinguished and the flag handed on to the 2026 hosts of the Winter Video games within the Italian cities of Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Sunday’s ceremony paid tribute to the athletes who’ve illuminated the Olympics throughout the previous two weeks, in addition to the volunteers and assist employees in China.
“This unforgettable expertise was solely potential due to our gracious hosts, the Chinese language folks,” mentioned Worldwide Olympic Committee (IOC) chief Bach.
“With over 300 million folks now engaged in winter sports activities, with the good success of the Chinese language athletes, the constructive legacy of those Olympic Winter Video games is ensured.
“With the really distinctive Olympic Winter Video games Beijing 2022 we welcome China as a winter sport nation.”
Simply as with the opening ceremony in Beijing on February 4, youngsters had been on the heart of the closing spectacular on the Chinese language Nationwide Stadium – higher often known as ‘the Fowl’s Nest’ – which was once more directed by the famend Zhang Yimou.
The Olympic flame, which had taken delight of place on the heart of an enormous snowflake bearing the names of every of the collaborating Olympic committees, descended as youngsters carrying lights danced round.
Bach gave a speech by which he additionally issued a name to “overcome this pandemic,” after one other Video games had performed out within the midst of stringent Covid-19 controls and a ban on overseas followers.
“If we need to lastly overcome this pandemic, we have to be quick, we should purpose larger, we have to be stronger, we should stand collectively,” Bach mentioned.
“On this Olympic spirit of solidarity, we name on the worldwide group: give equal entry to vaccines to everyone around the globe.”
The athletes filed into the stadium flanked by colourful dancers, with the Russian contingent led by flag bearer Alexander Bolshunov, who grew to become his nation’s most embellished Olympic skier ever with three gold medals on the Video games.
Bolshunov had the additional pleasure of being handed his gold medal for the cross-country marathon on the closing ceremony on Sunday, whereas countryman Ivan Yakimushkin acquired his silver.
The Olympic flag was handed on from the mayor of Beijing to officers from Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, the venues which can collectively host the 2026 version of the Winter Video games.
In welcoming the Winter Video games, Beijing had turn out to be the primary metropolis ever to carry each the Summer season and Winter Olympics.
A remaining video montage that includes megastar Beijing mascot Bing Dwen Dwen helped shut out the ceremony because the Olympic flame was extinguished and fireworks illuminated the Beijing evening sky.
IOC chief Bach and the Chinese language hosts can be happy that the Video games have handed off regardless of the specter of Covid nonetheless considerably affecting their group and planning, in addition to the backdrop of diplomatic boycotts from the likes of the US and a few of its allies.
The Video games have supplied some unforgettable moments and iconic performances from the likes of Bolshunov, in addition to seeing hosts China produce a document medal haul for the nation, with 9 golds and 15 medals in whole.
Nevertheless, there have additionally been scandals and the unlucky drama involving Russian determine skater Kamila Valieva and her therapy has undoubtedly solid one thing of a shadow over the previous two weeks.
The medal desk for Beijing 2022 was topped by winter sports activities powerhouses Norway with 16 gold medals and 37 in whole.
The ROC crew earned six golds, which put them ninth within the standings, however Russian athletes had been second when it comes to the general medal tally with 32 – behind solely the Norwegians.
Beijing will subsequent play host to the Winter Paralympics from March 4 to 13.
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