The 2012 Olympic Games were officially closed this morning, but not before the final events were completed in London.

The Australian men’s water polo team, featuring seven NSWIS athletes, recorded their best Olympic result since the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games by finishing seventh after a 10-9 victory over the USA. The win was highlighted by three goals to NSWIS athlete Richie Campbell, while Thomas Whalan and Gavin Woods each scored a goal. The match was also the final game in Australian colours for Whalan and Woods, who were each competing at their fourth Games.

Chloe Esposito had to wait until the final day to make her Olympic debut, competing in the women’s modern pentathlon. Esposito, who is coached by her dad and 1984 Olympian Daniel Esposito, finished seventh, while NSWIS runner Jeff Hunt was also in action on the final day, competing in the men’s marathon. He finished 63rd on Olympic debut.

Following the final Olympic competition for another four years, the world watched as the Games came to a close inside the Olympic stadium. The handover to Rio de Janeiro was officially made, marking the first time a South American country will host the Olympic Games when they take place in 2016.

For now, the attention turns to the Paralympic Games, which begin on August 29. A total of 43 NSWIS athletes will compete at the Paralympic Games, with the Australian team looking to build on the success they achieved in Beijing four years ago.