TRENDING

After an exhilarating and nail-biting two weeks of watching Team USA slay the competition in Rio, we're sad to say that the 2016 Summer Olympics have officially come to an end. Sunday’s closing ceremony was a spectacular albeit rainy event that left us cheering and crying as we were once again glued to our TV screens. Here, we recap our top four moments from Sunday's celebrations.

1. When Simone Biles carried the flag for Team USA

After taking home four gold medals and one bronze, Simone was selected to serve as flag bearer for the US. Not only did she do her job like a #boss, she also graciously took *tons* of selfies with her fellow athletes during the parade. We weren’t the only ones thrilled about Simone’s flag bearing job; Zac Efron and President Obama also gave her shout outs on Twitter.

POTUS basically sums out what we were all thinking about Simone during closing ceremonies:

Couldn't be prouder of #TeamUSA. Your determination and passion inspired so many of us. You carried that flag high tonight, @Simone_Biles!
— President Obama (@POTUS) August 22, 2016

Zac tweeted this sweet message to Simone after she asked if he was still in Rio:

Congrats! You deserve it Simone! Had to head home for work, but I’ll be there in spirit. Carry that 🔥🇺🇸 #GoTeamUSA https://t.co/RYi4EbyOyK

— Zac Efron (@ZacEfron) August 20, 2016

2. When our vision turned 2020

In just four years, the Summer Olympics will be held in Tokyo, Japan. We were super psyched to see the official handover from Rio to Tokyo but were shocked—and thrilled—by how it was executed. In a short video, we see Prime Minister Shinzo Abe running late to the Olympic Games. He transforms himself into the famous Nintendo character, Mario, in order to make it to Rio in time. Using one of the iconic green pipes from the video game, Mario/Prime Minister Abe travels through our planet in record time. Seeing the Prime Minister emerge in Rio from a green pipe was clever and cute, and got us so excited to see what Japan has in store in 2020!

3. When the Olympic torch was extinguished in the most beautiful way possible

Watching the Olympic flame be put out by a shower of rain was a gorgeous yet sad symbol that the games are indeed finished. This was the last time we’ll see some of our favorite athletes like Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt—*sobs.* We’ll admit we shed a tear or two when we saw the torch go out. But seeing a tree grow from the spot where the flame once burned reminded us that nothing lasts forever and new talent will continue to emerge.

4. When the stadium danced like there was no tomorrow

Bright colors, dazzling lights and upbeat music created the perf place for a dance party at the closing ceremonies. As we watched the stadium celebrate, we couldn’t help but be infected by the energy and feel proud of America. Team USA left Rio with a whooping 121 medals total: 46 gold, 37 silver and 38 bronze. We’re sad that the games are over but can’t wait to see powerhouse champs like Katie Ledecky and, of course, the women’s gymnastics team return in 2020!

Did you watch the closing ceremonies? What was your favorite moment? Let us know in the comments!

Photo credit: Team USA.

by Morgan Ome | 8/22/2016