London Olympics winds down

The glory and fanfare of the closing ceremony shone from London to the world as the countdown to the next Olympics in Brazil for four years’ time began.

Spectators were treated to a feast of fun-themed pop music, including hits from Jessie J, George Michael, the Beatles and the Spice Girls, who especially reunited for the occasion.

Weightlifter Luisa Peters was selected to be the Cook Islands’ flagbearer after she broke Cook Islands records in the snatch and clean-and-jerk in the women’s weightlifting.

It was an event that will live in the memories of the 80,000 fans at the Olympic Stadium and the estimated 300 million who watched the spectacle worldwide.

The London Games showcased the glories of the British Empire and the ceremony was no different. A dedication to Winston Churchill and the Union Jack had the patriotic crowd’s hearts aflutter while the Olympic Stadium floor was made to look like the British flag.

With the dousing of the Olympic flame, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge declared the $14 billion showcase over.

”Through your commitment to fair play, your respect for opponents and your grace in defeat as well as in victory, you have earned the right to be called Olympians,“ Rogge said.

One of the more poignant moments of the spectacle was the uniting of athletes who walked onto the stadium to the cheers of 80,000 people.

Separated by country in the opening ceremony, the athletes instead came out in unison, with some carrying flags and taking photos of the snap-happy crowd.

The focus then turned to 2016 Olympics hosts Brazil, who had eight minutes to showcase the South American sequins and samba sure to be on show in four years’ time.

The Mayor of London Boris Johnson handed the Olympic flag to his Rio de Janeiro equivalent Eduardo Paes, who has a lot to live up to if these Games are anything to go by.

Meanwhile, members of the public are reminded that four of our very own London Olympians will be arriving tomorrow afternoon.

Along with their support staff, weightlifter Peters, sailor Helema Williams as well as sprinters Patricia Taea and Patrick Tuara will arrive on flight Air NZ46 that is expected to touch down at 4.15pm.

A formal turou ceremony will get underway before the athletes and support staff leave for their homes.