During the closing ceremony, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Jacques Rogge said that he feels happy and grateful. «London promised an athletes’ Games, and that’s exactly what we got.»

Organizers of the Olympic Games and the city have done a great job. We will never forget the smiles of volunteers and their hospitality. The public of the sports events created a special aura, which created a sense of festivity on every arena. You have shown the world the best of British hospitality. I know, this generous mood will continue,”- Rogge said.

«Athletes have earned the recognition and praise from the world. You have all earned the right to call yourself Olympians,»- Rogge said. «These were happy and glorious Games.»

More than 4 100 people took part in the preceding events of the closing ceremony, 380 of them were children.

The theme of the closing ceremony was related to Britain’s glorious riches in various artistic forms, mostly taking in British music. The entertainment program was called the British symphony. Many world popular singers performed there, including Spice Girls, George Michael and Annie Lennox, also praising John Lennon, David Bowie and Queen.

After the ceremony, the Olympic flag was given to Mayor of Rio de Janeiro Eduardo Paes.

Latvia’s flag was carried by fourth place winner, long jumper Ineta Redevica. Previously, Latvian Olympics teams and Latvian Olympics Committee chose two times Olympic champion in BMX Maris Strombergs as the flag carrier. Strombergs, on the other hand, gave this honour to Radevica.

26 Latvian athletes took part in the closing ceremony.

Latvia earned two awards in the London Olympics. Champion of the 2008 Beijing Olympics Maris Strombergs earned a gold medal in BMX competition becoming a two-time Olympic champion. Beach volleyball players Martins Plavins and Janis Smedins won bronze medals, who were welcomed in Latvia with honour on Sunday.

USA won in terms of the number of medals (104). 46 of them are gold, silver and bronze medals are of the same amount – 29 each. China is on the second place with 87 medals (38 gold, 27 silver and 19 bronze), the host, Britain, is on the third place with 65 awards – 29 gold, 17 silver and 19 bronze medals.

Latvia earned the 49th place in terms of medals.

Latvia is the first city in the world to host the Olympic Games three times. London housed the Olympic Games of 1908 and 1948.

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