So long, Sochi.
The 2014 Winter Olympics Ceremony closed with humor, hair, and a giant bear on Sunday, Feb. 23. With athletes participating from all corners of the globe, Sunday’s Closing Ceremony was a spectacle — both bizarre and memorable — as NBC’s Sunday Night Football commentators Al Michaels and Chris Collinsworth guided viewers through the events at Fisht Olympic Stadium. Here are the top moments from the final moments of Sochi’s Winter Olympics.
1. The Malfunctioning Fifth Ring Returned
Russia was good-humored enough to make a joke about the malfunctioning ring from the opening ceremony. With the four Olympics rings interlaced, the final component budded into a beautiful full circle in a comical moment when the Russians made fun of themselves.
2. Pianos, Dancers, and Scary White Wigs
During world-renowned pianist Denis Matsuev’s performance Sunday night, the stadium floor was covered with rows and rows of grand pianos, each complete with a white wig-wearing dancer, while surrounding Matsuev in the center. The musical prodigy delivered a lively rendition of Rachmaninov’s concerto No. 2, while the scene created a beautiful spectacle in and of itself.
3. The Bear Blowing Out the Olympic Torch and Being Sad
There were three official mascots — the bunny, bear and leopard — but it was the “nightmare bear” that stole the spotlight in both the opening and closing ceremonies. The large mascot stood before the burning Olympic torch Sunday night and, with a smile, blew out the flame and then shed a tear as the games came to a close.
Now that Russia’s turn hosting the global games has ended, Brazil is up next in 2016 when the city of Rio de Janeiro hosts the Summer Olympics. The next Winter Olympics, in 2018, will be held in PyeongChang, South Korea.
Tell Us: What was the most memorable moment from the Olympics Closing Ceremony Sunday night?
