Page 7

FOREWORD BY THOMAS BACHPRESIDENT, INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEEWhen the Olympic flame was extinguished on 21 August 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, it brought to an end historic Olympic Games, the first ever in South America. The Olympic Games Rio 2016 will be remembered forever for the exceptional performances by the world’s athletes against the backdrop of the magnificent landscapes of Rio de Janeiro. These were iconic Olympic Games in many respects. Over the course of 16 glorious Olympic days, we saw new records, personal bests, great emotions and inspiring sportsmanship that only the magic of the Olympic Games can create. This edition of Olympic Review looks back at the iconic stories and unforgettable moments from Rio de Janeiro that captured the world’s imagination. The Olympic Games Rio 2016 were a powerful reminder that humankind is at its best whenever we stand together. Over 11,000 athletes from all 206 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) competed in Rio de Janeiro. Kosovo and South Sudan made their Olympic debuts. Three NOCs won their first-ever medals – all of them gold – while six more NOCs won their first gold medals. These Olympic Games were a celebration of diversity and the athletes showed us all the power of sport to unite the world. The Olympic spirit of solidarity was exemplified by the first-ever Refugee Olympic Team and the incredible welcome that the refugee athletes received wherever they went in Rio de Janeiro. The participation of the Refugee Olympic Team sent a strong message of inclusion and hope to the millions of refugees around the world, who have had to flee from home because of violence, hunger or intolerance. Through the Olympic Solidarity programme, the International Olympic Committee will continue to support the refugee athletes beyond the Olympic Games to help them to integrate in their new home countries. The inspirational stories of the refugee athletes and their experiences at the Olympic Games Rio 2016 are highlighted in the pages that follow. These were truly marvellous Olympic Games in “the Marvellous City”. As we look back to the moments that defined the Olympic Games Rio 2016, our thanks and gratitude go to all the Brazilians and the cariocas for being such wonderful hosts. A united Brazil welcomed the world with open arms and inspired us all with its irresistible joy of life. Brazil and the marvellous city of Rio de Janeiro will have a place in our hearts forever. ■Above IOC President Thomas Bach praises the “marvellous Olympic Games in the Marvellous City” at the Closing CeremonyOLYMPIC REVIEW 7PRESIDENT BACH FOREWORD