24 Feb 2014

Largest ever Winter Olympics closing

10:03 pm on 24 February 2014

Russia has staged the biggest ever Winter Olympics closing ceremony in Sochi.

It began with fireworks and hundreds of dancers in shimmering silver tops creating different images.

Winter Olympic Games closing ceremony

Winter Olympic Games closing ceremony Photo: AFP

At one point the dancers made a joke recalling the moment during the opening ceremony when one of the five electronic Olympic rings failed to appear.

The dancers formed four perfect rings but one group remained in a tight formation, opening to complete the symbol only when spectators cheered loudly.

Russia topped the medals table with 13 golds followed by Norway with 11 and Canada with 10.

While the New Zealanders failed to win a medal the team delivered 11 top 16 finishes.

Freestyle skier Jossie Wells, who finished 4th in the halfpipe, was New Zealand's flag bearer at the closing ceremony and said he was proud to lead the rest of the New Zealand competitors in celebrating the Olympic Games.