Mayor of London shows vast improvement in flag-waving skills after Beijing embarrassment as he hands Games to Rio

[welcomewiki]

Click here for TOP 10

Site of the DAY

Mayor of London shows vast improvement in flag-waving skills after Beijing embarrassment as he hands Games to Rio


Four years ago in Beijing, he became a figure of fun as he waved the Olympic flag.

But at the Closing Ceremony in the Olympic Stadium last night, Boris Johnson made a slightly better fist of the job.

Mid way through the spectacular event, the Olympic Flag was lowered and then passed by London Mayor Boris Johnson to Jacques Rogge, president of the International Olympic Committee.
SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO


Improvement: At the Closing Ceremony in the Olympic Stadium, Boris Johnson made a slightly better fist of waving the flag than he did in Beijing four years ago



Proud: London Mayor Boris Johnson watches on after passing the flag onto Jacques Rogge, president of the International Olympic Committee

He then presented it to Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes, ahead of Brazil hosting the Games in 2016. They each waved it four times, as is traditional.

Mr Johnson first came to the world's attention at the Closing Ceremony for the Beijing Games.


More...

• Feeling sad about the end of the Games? Eric Idle leads 80,000 crowd in rendition of Always Look on the Bright Side of Life
• The greatest disco on Earth! Pixel animations turn Olympic Stadium into psychedelic light show
• David Cameron and Boris Johnson just can't help dad dancing as they watch the Spice Girls perform
• King of the Closing Ceremony: Prince Harry is joined by Kate as he takes centre stage as the top Royal

Many people back home in the UK were left red-faced as the mayor hilariously waved the flag.

There was further hilarity later that night in Beijing when the Mayor of London famously declared that ping pong was coming home.

Embarrassing: During the Closing Ceremony of the Beijing Games, Boris Johnson left many people back in the home red-faced as his hilariously waved the Olympic flag


Great time: Prime Minister David Cameron is pictured next to his wife Samantha, who is seated next to Boris Johnson during last night's Closing Ceremony
Strutting his stuff: Boris Johnson, second right, gives a perfect impression of 'dad dancing' next to his wife Marina Wheeler, far right

The closing ceremony, which was attended by Prince Harry and the Duchess of Cambridge, was designed to show off the best of Britain's past and present music scene, culminating with a glimpse of the carnival that awaits in Rio in 2016.

Stars who appeared included the Pet Shop Boys, George Michael, Tinie Tempah and Jessie J, Kate Moss and Russell Brand and The Who.
Prince Harry was launched into a new leading role in the royal family when he took centre stage at the ceremony.
In his most important solo Royal engagement yet, the third in line to the throne was selected as the figurehead for the spectacular farewell to the Games, which the Queen opened two weeks ago.
FAST FORWARD TO 4m.30s TO SEE BORIS WAVE THE FLAG IN BEIJING