Sunday night’s passing of the Olympic flag marked the end of the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea. The closing ceremony showcased costumes, fireworks, performances and one last medal ceremony honoring Norway’s Marit Bjørgen and her eighth gold medal, making her the most successful winter Olympian.

Bjørgen’s victory in the women’s 30-kilometer mass-start classic cross-country skiing event was just one of the many highlights from this year’s games. The first cross-country skiing gold medal in American history was received by Jessie Diggins. Alongside Diggins in an American victory was the 17-year-old snowboarder, Red Gerard, who had his shining moment at the games as he finished in first and received a gold medal. In total, America received 23 medals, nine of which were gold. The overall highest number of wins went to Norway who took home a total of 39 medals and 14 gold.

This year’s Winter Olympics, however, were much more than a series of victories and losses. The world watched as North Korea’s cheering squad waved their arms in unison, singing for their teams to “cheer up”.  Spectators around the world were also able to tune in and watch Russia’s doping scandal unfold. Russia had nearly been kicked out of the Olympics after the first doping scandal that had occurred in the Sochi Olympics, but the International Olympic Committee decided to dub the competitors as “Olympic Athletes From Russia” and not let them compete under the Russian flag. This season’s Alexander Krushelnitsky tested positive for doping and as a result, had his bronze medal for curling stripped away. This was followed by Russian bobsledder Nadezhda Sergeeva failing her drug test and the IOC failing to restate the Olympic Athletes From Russia and the Russian flag at the closing ceremony. 

Amongst the scandals and victories were a series of games and races that the world came together to take part in. The world watched as a nation after nation represented their country and shared a common desire of taking home the gold.