Sochi 2014: Winter Olympics closing ceremony

[Pierre Sundukof]

Sochi 2014. After the opening ceremony the whole world laughed at Russia for the fifth Olympic ring had failed to open. After the closing ceremony Russia laughed at the world for the same matter.

Sochi in Pictures: Closing Ceremony

Russia wraps up the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics with dazzling performances and a handoff to South Korea for the 2018 Winter Games.

[Pierre Sundukof]

Flag bearers enter the stadium during the closing ceremony on Feb. 23.

[Pierre Sundukof]

Flagbearers arrive holding national flags in the closing ceremony on Feb. 23.

[Pierre Sundukof]

The Russian flag is brought into the arena by Russian athletes during the closing ceremony on Feb. 23.

[Pierre Sundukof]

U.S. Olympians enter the Fisht Stadium during the closing ceremony on Feb. 23.

[Pierre Sundukof]

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach, third left, speaks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, third right, as gold medallist in the four-man bobsleigh Alexander Zubko, second right, looks on during the closing ceremony on Feb. 23. Former IOC President Jacques Rogge stands on left.

[Pierre Sundukof]

Pianist Denis Matsuev, center, performs during the closing ceremony on Feb. 23.

[Pierre Sundukof]

Artists perform during the closing ceremony on Feb. 23.

[Pierre Sundukof]

A circus tent is raised in the stadium. Performers take part in the show during the closing ceremony on Feb. 23.

[Pierre Sundukof]

A circus caravan and performers during the closing ceremony on Feb. 23.

[Pierre Sundukof]

Performers take part in the closing ceremony on Feb. 23.

[Pierre Sundukof]

Dancers perform a celebration of Russian ballet during the closing ceremony on Feb. 23.

[Pierre Sundukof]

Russian violinist Tatiana Samouil performs during the closing ceremony on Feb. 23.

[Pierre Sundukof]

Performers shine lights during the closing ceremony on Feb. 23.

[Pierre Sundukof]

South Korean artists perform during the closing ceremony on Feb. 23, in Sochi, Russia. Pyeongchang will host the 2018 Olympic Winter Games.

[Pierre Sundukof]

The three mascots of Sochi 2014, the Hare, the Polar Bear and the Leopard stsnd among performers during the closing ceremony on Feb. 23.

[Pierre Sundukof]

Fireworks explode over Olympic Park during the closing ceremony of the 2014 Winter Olympics, on Feb. 23, 2014, in Sochi, Russia.