At a press conference on Saturday (20 August), the penultimate day of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, the president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Thomas Bach praised the organisation of the Games and said they would be of lasting benefit to the long-term future of Rio de Janeiro.

“The sporting and educational legacies are immense. The transport infrastructure is a great benefit that will remain for future generations,” said Bach.

“These Games did not take place in a bubble. We chose a city that has its problems, which has a reality with many challenges. The Rio 2016 Games took place within this context, which was positive as it allowed us to show that sport can help to address problems and bring people together,” he added. “There are no regrets whatsoever.”

Olympic spirit

Summarising some of the highlights of the Games, Bach singled out unforgettable displays of the Olympic spirit, such as during a women’s 5000m race, when Abbey D'Agostino of the USA and New Zealander Nikki Hamblin helped each other up after falling during the event.

Best of the Games: Abbey D'Agostino and Nikki Hamblin (Photo: Getty Images/Shaun Botterill)

“Nothing better illustrates the Olympic spirit than the attitude of these athletes,” said Bach.

Bach also spoke about the gold medal-winning Brazilian judoka Rafaela Silva. “She came from the City of God (favela community) and became an Olympic champion. Rafaela will not only inspire the children of Brazil, but children the world over.”

Bach also praised some of the spectacular venues of Rio 2016 venues: “We had wonderful performances, which were only possible thanks to the excellent venues. Beach volleyball on Copacabana, the Sambadrome, the sailing…they are all iconic venues. We would like to give thanks to Brazilians and cariocas,” he added.

Unforgettable moments of sporting and human triumph

Other memorable moments mentioned by the IOC president included Fiji’s first Olympic medal, in rugby sevens, the fantastic performances by Michael Phelps and Usain Bolt and the participation of the first ever team of refugees.

“The refugee athletes were warmly received and became stars in the Olympic Village. Other athletes asked for photos with them and wanted to hear their stories,” said Bach. "We have an agreement with the UNHCR (the United Nations refugee agency) to make sure the athletes will be looked after. Those from [the refugee camp in] Kenya, for example, won’t have to go back there.”

In closing, Bach paid tribute to the fans who had come to the Games. “The Brazilian spirit made Rio 2016 a great celebration. I hope that the Paralympic Games will be just as successful,” he said.

Speaking positively about the prospects for the Paralympic Games, he said: “At London 2012, ticket sales began slowly, but later picked up a lot. I hope the same will happen here.”

Buy your tickets for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games here

The new Olympic channel

And for those sad to see the end of the Olympic Games on Sunday (21 August), Bach pointed out that as soon as the closing ceremony ends, the new Olympic Channel will begin broadcasting.

The Olympic Channel is a digital platform designed to keep the Olympic spirit alive in the periods between Games. The website will bring together written content, videos and animations about great victories and decisive sporting moments. Olympic Channel apps will be available for mobile devices.