The Olympic flame has been extinguished, bringing down the curtain on the Beijing 2022 Winter Games, but the passion still lingers from the sports gala that has enlivened and inspired the world amid the pandemic.
After all 109 medal events were decided, the closing ceremony was held on Sunday at the National Stadium in Beijing.
Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee, lauded the Beijing Winter Olympics as "truly exceptional" when addressing the closing ceremony Sunday night.
"The Olympic spirit could only shine so brightly, because the Chinese people set the stage in such an excellent way - and in a safe way," Bach said. "The Olympic Villages were outstanding. The venues - magnificent. The organization -extraordinary... This unforgettable experience was only possible because of our gracious hosts, the Chinese people," he added.
