Rio 2016 came to a spectacular close on August 21, as the Brazilians passed the baton to Tokyo for the 2020 games.
And what an Olympics Games we’ve had this year!
Not only did the UK rank second in the final medal table (yasssss) but there was the usual sporting triumph and disappointment, with some extra drama and meme-able moments thrown in for good measure.
Here’s a selection of highlights:
What’s The Craic?
Irish brothers Gary and Paul O’Donovan made history at the Games by winning Ireland’s first rowing medal, but also bringing some stand – out craic to their TV interviews.
When grabbed for a quick chat with home channel RT, Gary and Paul talked about urine tests, their meagre breakfast of a roll and Nutella and their pride at wearing ‘podium pants.’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIyeYu3mEfQ
Bolt, Ya Rocket
The fastest man in the world just can’t stop winning.
Usain Bolt ran Jamaica to Olympic glory three times at the 2016 games, and even had time to pose mid-sprint in the 100m to flash that grin, while the other athletes strained to cross the finish line.
HEY LOOK MUM! I’M WINNING!
Life's all about staying ahead of the game while keeping a smile on your face. #UsainBolt pic.twitter.com/lYOvnCBRJv
— BRANDEN & JAMES (@BrandenJMusic) August 15, 2016
Flopping Hard
Not only does the Philippines’ John Elmerson Fabriga have an EPIC dive face….
He also flopped into the pool and received zero points. Unlucky Johnny, we’ve all done a belly flop or two in our time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ToPRDDPN4xg
Liar Liar Swimming Trunks on Fire
The ‘worst guy of the games’ award has to go to Ryan Lochte, not just for trashing a Rio petrol station with his pals while drunk, but for lying that he was robbed at gunpoint and then making a pretty pathetic apology about it.
You’re 32, Ryan.
https://twitter.com/RyanLochte/status/766638785140498432
Celebrities and sports fans across the world were hating on his behaviour all over Twitter, including the famously badly behaved Courtney Love, who told the swimmer to ‘grow the f***up.’
Oh dear Ryan, oh dear.
New Heroes
It might have been Simone Biles’ first Olympic Games, but she absolutely smashed it.
Four golds and a bronze isn’t a bad haul for your first bash, and Simone even managed to catch the eye of Hollywood heartthrob Zac Efron – who flew out to Rio to meet her.
https://t.co/l8jP8WIueB Simone Biles Gets Surprise Visit From Zac Efron In Rio pic.twitter.com/jDy64Y6EYt
— Topsinstagram (@tops_instagram) August 22, 2016
Many experts and press outlets have discussed Simone’s near flawless performance at the Olympics, debating whether she is be the best gymnast that the US, if not the world, has ever seen.
Catch her floor routine below.
Against All Odds
The refugee crisis has led to millions of displaced people worldwide, as families are driven out of their homes by war and persecution.
This year, a refugee Olympic team competed in the games to represent people fleeing from their home countries.
Syrian swimmer Yusra Mardini once pushed a refugee boat for three hours in the ocean to get herself and fellow passengers to safety, and this year she competed in the Olympic pool.
Read her story below.
A swimmer goes from Syria to Rio, from refugee to olympian, find out more about her story: https://t.co/jRIqJ4nKs6 pic.twitter.com/8M9XHI9jVG
— Rx Swimming Goggles (@RxSwimGoggles) August 15, 2016
Falling At The First Hurdle…Literally.
Oh Jeffrey. All of the pre-event bravado, zero skilled execution.
Channelling Usain Bolt with his showboating gestures, Haiti’s Jeffrey Julmis bigged himself up, then fell right down.
He did complete the race though, to a standing ovation from the crowd. #thatsthespirit
#HAI Jeffrey Julmis plays to the crowd… then falls at the first hurdle https://t.co/Y2B6I0pMYl #Rio2016 pic.twitter.com/VargBigtGf
— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) August 17, 2016
We Love Fu
Swimmer Fu Yuanhui might be the most adorable swimmer we’ve ever met.
A TV news reporter broke the news to Fu that she came in third, as the swimmer had no idea she’d not only beaten her personal best but managed to grab bronze.
Here’s the moment she found out, plus some other funny bits.
Schooled by Schooling
When Singapore’s Joseph Schooling was a little boy, he dreamed of being an Olympian athlete like his hero Michael Phelps.
This year, Joseph won Singapore’s first ever gold – snatching the medal from the grasp of his idol.
Joseph Schooling met @MichaelPhelps in 2008. 8yrs later, @joschooling beat him in 100m swim race. Inspired pic.twitter.com/ofkJtuAFwa
— Cynthia Nyamai (@CynthiaNyamai) August 14, 2016