Athletes take part in the closing ceremony. [Photo by Wei Xiaohao/chinadaily.com.cn]

A UNIQUE GAMES

"A new world" speaks for the Rio Olympic Games. It was a new experience for the South American country and also new for the IOC.

Bach said the Games could be called "iconic" in certain way.

"It is the first Olympic Games in South America, an iconic Games, a Games in the middle of reality. They were not organized in a bubble, but in a city with social problems and divides, and where the real life continued," he said.

"This was very good for everybody - to be close to reality and not in a bubble for 16 days and isolated from society. To face the challenges and put sport into perspective. To see where sport can help and unite people but also to understand that there are limitations to the power of sport," he added.

"With these Games the IOC has shown it is possible to organize Olympic Games in countries which are not at the top of the GDP (gross domestic product) ranking. We are ready to face social reality and address it," he said.