London 2012 Closing Ceremony: Great Britain Completes Great Olympics Showing
Host nations always perform well in the Olympics, but Great Britain, in every aspect, took it to a whole different level.
It started with with a fantastic opening ceremony, and quickly translated to the sporting arena (via ESPN Stats and Info):
"Great Britain had the largest increase in total medals won from 2008 to 2012. The British won 18 more medals this year than in Beijing.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) August 12, 2012"
Sure, the United States, China and Russia may have finished above Great Britain on the medal table, but Team GB, which wasn't expected to come anywhere near fourth despite being the host, was arguably the best story from the past few weeks.
Mohamed Farah, who took home a gold medal in both the men's 5,000 and 10,000-meter races, was story No. 1.
"MO FARAH = Legend! He's proof that no matter what ur background or your upbringing we can all achieve our dreams with hard work n dedication
— Sunny & Shay Grewal (@SunnyandShay) August 12, 2012"
What Farah did for Great Britain over the past few weeks is something that simply can't be put into words. He transcended expectations and, en route to bringing home both gold and pride, he won over an entire nation.
And he wasn't even the only one.
Diver Tom Daley, boxer Luke Campbell, canoer Ed McKeever, a slew of talented cyclists and many more British athletes put forth inspiring efforts in front of their country as they proved Great Britain is a force to be reckoned with in 2016 and beyond.
Sunday's closing ceremony was an appropriate end to an Olympics that saw Great Britain's most recent step towards, well, greatness.
The stunning combination of pageantry, effects and imagery were all amazing to watch unfold, but even more importantly, Great Britain showcased its depth of musical awesomeness.
Some acts weren't for everyone, such as the Spice Girls, One Direction and a few other pop bands that have a very select following, but it's hard to argue performers like George Michael and Madness haven't had a profound effect on the rest of the world.
And that's not even mentioning British groups such as the Beatles and Pink Floyd, who obviously didn't perform, but were given tributes by other talented artists.
The history of British music and performers is truly a rich one, and it's only appropriate that it was put on display during the closing ceremony of an Olympic Games in which British athletes impressed the rest of the world.
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