Rio 2016 comes to an end at spectacular closing ceremony

Rio 2016 comes to a close

IOC President Thomas Bach has officially closed the Games of the 31st Olympiad.

"You have shown us all the power of sport can unite the world," Bach said.

"You are sending a powerful message of peace to the whole world."

He added: "These were marvellous Olympic Games in the marvellous city!"

The flame has been doused in spectacular fashion, with a torrent of water coming down on Brazilian singer Mariene de Castro as she performed beneath the Olympic cauldron.

Rio hands over to Tokyo

Brazil has officially handed over to Japan, closing Rio 2016 and paving the way for Tokyo 2020.

Image: Getty

IOC President Thomas Bach handed the Olympic flag to Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koiki, with a celebration of Japanese culture following.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, dressed in a Super Mario hat, popped up from under a stage, delighting the Maracana crowd.

Japan, the furthest country from Brazil, used augmented reality technology in its eye-catching section of the ceremony which featured manga and anime characters including Mario - he ran through a pipe which supposedly connected Tokyo with Rio, then, centre stage at the Maracana, morphed into Japan's prime minister.

See you in Tokyo!

Marathon men get their moment

Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge has been presented with his gold medal for the men's marathon in front of a huge Maracana crowd.

With the event taking place on the final day of competition, the medal presentation was saved for closing ceremony.

Tongan flag bearer features again

Tonga's shirtless, oiled-up flag bearer Pita Taufatofua got some more time in the sun, jumping on stage during a performance by Julia Michaels and Kygo.

Taufatofua shot to fame during the opening ceremony, sending social media into meltdown with his stunning physique.

Brazilian culture comes to the fore

Dancers and singers are showing off the Brazilian culture to the world, with a stunning interpretation of lace-making captivating the crowd.

Aussies let their hair down

Australia's athletes have celebrated the end of Rio 2016 in signature fashion, dancing and partying with their counterparts.

The athletes arrive

The athletes have entered the Maracana, with Aussie rower Kim Brennan carrying the Australian flag.

Brennan is a three-time Olympian and won gold in the women's single sculls event, one of eight gold medals for Australia.

Image: Getty

Image: Getty

The athletes certainly are enjoying themselves, letting their hair down after 16 long days of competition.

We're underway!

A spectacular fireworks show has kicked off the closing ceremony, with iconic Brazilian landmarks featuring in the opening.

The ceremony started with a burst of colour before dancers made a formation of Christ the Redeemer to the cheers of the crowd.

Organisers are expecting almost 80,000 people to attend.

Weather threatens to ruin party

Heavy showers hit the Maracana Stadium just minutes before the closing ceremony was scheduled to get underway.

Athletes have already been complaining in the marshalling area outside the stadium.

A volunteer waits in the rain for the closing ceremony to start. Image: Getty

Showers with a top temperature of 19C have left some athletes in the mood to leave the closing ceremony all together.

with AAP