Tokyo Olympics: 7 Outstanding Photos from the Vibrant Summer Games Closing Ceremony
- The 32nd edition of the Olympics staged in Tokyo was faced with unprecedented logistical challenges stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic
- However, Japan, somehow still managed to stage an intriguing and exciting extravaganza which saw the USA finish top on the medal charts
- The Games came to a close on Sunday, August 8, and just like the opening ceremony, the closing session was also marked with low-key performances in a near-empty Tokyo Olympic Stadium
- Paris is now scheduled to host the next edition of the Summer Games set for 2024
PAY ATTENTION: Click “See First” under the “Following” tab to see Briefly News on your News Feed!
The 2020 Tokyo Olympics, which kicked off on Friday, July 23, finally came to a close on Sunday, August 8.
Source: Getty Images
The organisers of the event had to contend with a raft of challenges including the ghosts of the Covid-19 pandemic to stage one of the most surreal and peculiar extravaganza.
Source: Getty Images
Christened with '2020' but held in the summer or 2021, curtains fell on the Tokyo Olympics in an empty stadium on the evening of Sunday, August 8.
Source: Getty Images
The penultimate of the extravaganza was marked with a rollicking closing ceremony at the Olympic Stadium.
Source: Getty Images
The session, as has been the tradition, combined a number of activities including speeches, hoisting of the flags, a parade of athletes and handing over of the Olympic flag.
Source: Getty Images
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the closing ceremony was largely pre-recorded with some live segments taking place.
PAY ATTENTION: Never miss breaking news – join Briefly News' Telegram channel
The ceremony began with one athlete from each participating country marching in with their flags before assembling in a circle.
Source: Getty Images
Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, DJ Matsunaga, and the Tokyo High School Orchestra headlined the list of performers, showcasing the culture and history of Japan.
When the cauldron was extinguished, the baton was handed over to Paris, which will host the next edition of the Summer Games scheduled for 2024.
Kenya finishes no.1 in Africa
Earlier, Briefly News reported despite a slow start at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Kenya has sealed a first-place finish in Africa on medal standings.
Team Kenya managed to win a total of 10 medals during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in Japan. Kipchoge, Jepchirchir, Kipyegon and Emmanuel Korir all won gold medals for Kenya.
The haul of 10 medals afforded the country a 19th place finish globally, with the USA topping the charts. China, Japan and Great Britain were all afforded a place in the top five overall after a good showing.
Enjoyed reading our story? Download the BRIEFLY NEWS app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major South African news!
Source: Briefly News
Kelly Lippke (Senior Editor) Kelly Lippke is a copy editor/proofreader who started her career at the Northern-Natal Courier with a BA in Communication Science/Psychology (Unisa, 2007). Kelly has worked for several Caxton publications, including the Highway Mail and Northglen News. Kelly’s unique editing perspective stems from an additional major in Linguistics. Kelly joined Briefly News in 2018 and she has 14 years of experience. Kelly has also passed a set of trainings by Google News Initiative. You can reach her at kelly.lippke@briefly.co.za.
Thando Mpembe Thando Mpembe is a sports journalist who has a passion for all things entertainment. In her spare time, Thando enjoys reading and spending time with family. She is an advocate for mental health and believes that a healthy body starts with a healthy mind. Thando holds an Honours Degree in Journalism from the University of Johannesburg. Her favourite quote is "Gentle reminder - you are not for everyone and that is a blessing". Email: thando.mpembe@briefly.co.za
