The Beijing Games came to a close Sunday with a ceremony at the Beijing National Stadium.
Why it matters: These were the second Olympic games to take place during the pandemic and were conducted within the confines of China's "closed loop" system designed to keep COVID out, the strictest-ever protocols created for a global sporting event.
- Dwindling case numbers as the Games went on indicate that the "closed loop" largely worked, though the strict procedures posed difficulties for some athletes competing, Axios' Erin Doherty writes.
In photos
Children holding lit snowflake figures perform at the closing ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games. Photo: Valery Sharifulin\TASS via Getty Images
A general view is seen of flag bearers during the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics Closing Ceremony. Photo: Fred Lee/Getty Images
Willow twig farewell performance at the closing ceremony of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games. Photo: Valery Sharifulin\TASS via Getty Images
Snowflake-shaped Olympic cauldron during the closing ceremony. Photo: Fred Lee/Getty Images
International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach speaks during the closing ceremony. Photo: Wei Zheng/CHINASPORTS/VCG via Getty Images
Fireworks explode over the Beijing National Stadium. Photo: Kevin Frayer/Getty Images
