Iran Press/ Asia: Just like the opening on July 23, this year’s closing ceremony featured international athletes parading around a near-empty stadium after it was announced fans would not be allowed to attend because of rising COVID-19 cases in Japan.
Athletes, masked and some donning the medals they won, filled the floor of the mostly empty Olympic Stadium, where they were met with a light show and musical performances from groups like the Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra.
The number of athletes present was smaller than usual, given the pandemic-related requirement that athletes return home shortly after their final competition.
The United States topped the overall medal tally with 39 gold medals and the most podium finishes — 113 — followed by China and host Japan, which had its best Olympic medal haul.
The ceremony took a moment to remember and reflect on the difficult past year.
The program came to an end with a handover to the Paris organizers, and a preview of the Games to come there in 2024. Finally, the Olympic flame was put out, officially drawing the Games to a close.
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