SOCHI - Russia has delivered on the promise of a "spectacular event" as the most expensive Olympics in history closed on Sunday night with doubts over the country’s capabilities cleared and the host team basking in athletic achievements.
The closing ceremony was the best make up for the mistake of a missing ring at the opening ceremony. The way to put out the flame is more creative which was blown out by mascots. Short-track players Liu Qiuhong as China’s flag bearer carried the Chinese flame to entrance.
Despite a few glitches including an unopened Olympic ring that marred the otherwise perfect opening ceremony, the Sochi Games was generally well-run.
International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach hailed the Sochi Olympics as a "great" Games without a single complaint from athletes.
Russia, shut out of top 10 with only three golds at last Games, proudly perched atop this time, having garnered 33 medals including 13 golds.
Norway, spearheaded by Marit Bjergen and Ole Einar Bjoerndalen, came second overall with a 11-5-10 haul.
Canada ranked third overall on its 10th gold from the 3-0 ice hockey victory over Sweden. It also swept two curling titles.