Global site navigation

Tokyo Olympics: 7 Outstanding Photos from the Vibrant Summer Games Closing Ceremony
Sports

Tokyo Olympics: 7 Outstanding Photos from the Vibrant Summer Games Closing Ceremony

by  Kelly Lippke Thando Mpembe
  • 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.

Closing ceremony in the Olympic Stadium. the all NOC flags through the stadium (Photo by Ayman Aref/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
The ceremony began with one athlete from each participating country marching in with their flags before assembling in a circle. Photo by Ayman Aref.
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.

Read also

Bafana top World Cup Qualifiers group after win over Ethiopia, SA delighted: 'Siyabonga'

Closing Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium. Fireworks at the end of the closing ceremony (Photo by Ayman Aref/NurPhoto via Getty Images).
The 32nd edition of the Olympics staged in Tokyo was faced with unprecedented logistical challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo by Ayman Aref/NurPhoto.
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.

Closing Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium. The Olympic fire burns during the closing ceremony (Photo by Ayman Aref/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
The Olympic fire burns during the closing ceremony (Photo by Ayman Aref/NurPhoto via Getty Images).
Source: Getty Images

The penultimate of the extravaganza was marked with a rollicking closing ceremony at the Olympic Stadium.

Closing ceremony Tokyo Olympic Games 2020 in the Olympic Stadium. (Photo by Ayman Aref/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
The closing session was also marked with low-key performances in a near-empty Tokyo Olympic Stadium. Photo by Ayman Aref.
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.

Closing ceremony at the Olympic Stadium. The Mayor of Paris, the next venue of the Olympic Games, Anne Hidalgo, waves the Olympic flag. (Photo by Ayman Aref/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
The Mayor of Paris, the next venue of the Olympic Games, Anne Hidalgo, waves the Olympic flag. (Photo by Ayman Aref/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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.

A singer during the Closing Ceremony on day sixteen of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Olympic Stadium on August 8, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images).
The Tokyo Games came to a close on Sunday, August 8. Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images.
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.

Read also

History post: Meet the four women who led the 1956 march against SA's pass laws

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

Hot:
Online view pixel