The Associated Press
Americans Chris Chelios (right) and Phil Housley stand dejectedly with their silver medals.

Winter Olympics end with gasp of excitement, sigh of relief

EDDIE PELLS, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Originally published Monday, February 25, 2002

SALT LAKE CITY -- With a big sigh of relief and a star-studded celebration, Utah and America bid farewell to the Olympics on Sunday during a rollicking night of song and dance, a celebration of past athletic glory, and a quick glimpse into the future.

The closing ceremony was a wild ride -- eclectic fun with a strong dose of Vegas schmaltz.

Rock band KISS, in full face paint and body armor, shared the stage with skaters Katarina Witt and Kristi Yamaguchi. Harry Connick Jr. sang while Dorothy Hamill skated. Later, in a more serious moment, the Olympic flame that burned brightly for 17 days went dark.

The Russians and South Koreans showed up despite threats they might boycott the ceremony to protest what they believed was unfair judging.

A crowd of 55,000 in the stadium and millions more TV viewers around the world watched this festival of Americana unfold -- kitschy, sparkling and funky.

IOC president Jacques Rogge watched much of the ceremony with Vice President Dick Cheney and Salt Lake Organizing Committee president Mitt Romney.

"People of America, Utah and Salt Lake City, you have given the world superb games," Rogge said. "You have reassured us that people from all countries can live peacefully together. Thank you. Thank you."

MEDALS

Canada wins men's hockey gold medal; Americans collected 34 medals -- 23 more than ever before in a Winter Games.

Final (78 medal events)

G S B Tot

Germany 12 16 7 35

U.S. 10 13 11 34

Norway 11 7 6 24

Canada 6 3 8 17

Russia 6 6 4 16

Austria 2 4 1 16

Italy 4 4 4 12

France 4 5 2 11

Switzerland 3 2 6 11

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