Fireworks light up the sky over the Olympic Stadium during the closing ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, on Sunday. Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike and International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach turned over the Olympic flag to Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo who will be hosting the 2024 Summer Games in France. PHOTO

TOKYO, JAPAN = Tokyo wrapped up what is likely the most challenging hosting of the Summer Olympics, which was already delayed for a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thousands of athletes and their entourage were expected to follow strict health protocols while competitions were held sans crowds as coronavirus cases continued to rise in Japan.

After 16 days, 11,656 athletes from 206 countries participated in the Summer Olympic Games, but 19 athletes failed to take part after testing positive for COVID-19.

Amid the challenges, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics became the Philippines’ most historic after hauling 4 medals – with Hidilyn Diaz winning gold for the weightlifting event, boxers Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam with 2 silvers and Eumir Marcial with one bronze.

The 2020 Summer Olympics Games finally came to a close with a “restrained” closing ceremony and with fewer athletes in attendance compared to previous games.

Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike and International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach turned over the Olympic flag to Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, whose city will be hosting the quadrennial Summer Games in 2024.

Here are some of the highlights that made the 2020 Tokyo Olympics an event to remember.