10 Best Moments From the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio

Zac Efron, Aly Raisman, Michael Phelps and more stars leave unforgettable memories

By Mike Vulpo Aug 21, 2016 5:00 PMTags

And just like that, the Summer Olympic Games are coming to an end.

For the past two weeks, the best and brightest athletes from around the world have descended onto Rio in hopes of obtaining a medal in their respective sports.

But hours before the Closing Ceremonies kick off and the countdown begins for Tokyo 2020, we can't help but look back at the emotional, powerful moments that reminded us what the game are all about.

No, we're not including the drama surrounding Ryan Lochte. And we're certainly not focusing on the Internet who decided to make #CrabbyGabby a trending topic.

Instead, we're strictly celebrating the moments that made us smile, tear up and leave us shouting USA, USA, USA!

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Olympic Romances
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1. Team USA's Biggest Sweep: USA became the first nation in Olympic history to win all three medals in the women's 100-meter hurdles. Brianna Rollins won the gold, Nia Ali the silver and Kristi Castlin took the bronze on August 17. "Nothing but the grace of God and his anointing on us. We came together in prayer and asked God to guide us through and give us peace of mind and confidence to be the very best that we can be that day to make our dreams come true," Brianna shared on Instagram. "When women can come together and support one another we can accomplish things like sweeping the 100m hurdles field at the Olympic Games and making History. Moments and memories that will never be forgotten. #GodsGlory #GirlPower #BlackGirlsRock #BlackGirlMagic #Rio2016 #TeamUSA." 

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2. Gisele Bündchen's Walk: Yes, we enjoyed the parade of nations. And of course we couldn't get enough of oiled up flag bearer Pita Taufatofua. But we loved when the supermodel opened the ceremony with a tribute to her native country, strutting her stuff to the tune of bossa nova jazz classic, "The Girl from Ipanema." The entire world had their eyes on the famed supermodel, who stole the spotlight (quite literally) when she emerged out of the darkness wearing a dazzling, slinky number by Brazilian designer Alexandre Herchcovitch.

3. Aly Raisman's Tearful Realization: There are some moments during the games when athletes just know they've done their best. That happened to the Team USA gymnast after she nailed her floor routine after years of preparation. "It was very special," Aly shared with reporters. "It's a moment you only dream of in your wildest dreams. The crowd was screaming and yelling, and I finally did it. I was so proud."

4. Kerri Walsh-Jennings and April Ross' Determination: When the beach volleyball duo was unable to compete for gold after their impressive winning streak, it would be understandable to lose focus and drive. But not these two ladies. The pair came out on top by winning the bronze medal, an honor that feels more special than any of us could realize. "It's amazing what 24 hours can do, what we are capable of doing, what the American spirit is capable of doing when you're backed in a corner," April told reporters. "I just knew we weren't going away."  

5. Zac Efron Surprises Team USA Gymnastics: Only Hoda Kotb and the Today show can pull off a stunt that would be the talk of pop culture fans all week long. After Simone Biles shared her crush on the High School Musical star, NBC worked it's magic and got the actor on a plane to Rio. What came next was a moment (and kiss) we'll never forget. 

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Every Time Michael Phelps Has Won an Olympic Gold Medal
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6. Abbey D'Agostino and Nikki Hamblin's Sportsmanship: It's not all about the medals, friends. During the women's 5000-meter race, Abby and Nikki collided on the track. But in a true show of sportsmanship, the ladies seemingly sacrificed any chance at an Olympic medal to pick each other up and push each other to complete the race. "When someone asks me what happened in Rio in 20 years' time, that is my story. She is my story," Nikki shared. 

7. Katie Ledecky's Unbeatable Speed: If you thought every swim event was going to come down to pure seconds, you may want to think again. While Katie broke the world record for the women's 800m freestyle, millions of viewers couldn't help but be amazed when she finished her race with no other swimmers in sight. "I think I did a pretty good job," the ever-so-humble athlete shared with reporters after the race. "I think [my coach] will be happy with it. We're all happy with it! 

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8. Michael Phelps' Youngest Fan: Whether swimming solo or in a medley, TEAM USA's superstar swimmer was a joy to watch in the pool race after race. An added bonus, though, had to be his baby who rocked red, white and blue for every race besides his mom and grandma. "This is the best Olympics. Being able to have my first child be able to watch me swim and be there, he may not be able to understand really what's going on, but just being able to have his presence here and know that he's always up in the stands," Michael told E! News exclusively at Omega House in Rio. "It was something different and something very special." 

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9. Simone Manuel Makes History: The Team USA swimmer made history on August 11 when she became the first African-American woman to win gold in an individual swimming event. Simone broke down in tears and covered her face when she realized what she had achieved in the pool. "I'm super glad that I can be an inspiration to others and hopefully diversify the sport," she shared with reporters. "But at the same time, I would like there to be a day where there are more of us and it's not like 'Simone, the black swimmer,' because the title 'black swimmer' makes it seem like I'm not supposed to be able to win a gold medal."

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10. Allyson Felix's Record-Breaking Milestone: The University of Southern California alumna became the first woman in track & field history to obtain five gold medals. "When you feel broken. When you have nothing left to give. Remain faithful," she wrote on Instagram after one of her many wins. "Keep fighting. Joy comes in the morning." 

Watch E! News at 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. for the latest excitement from Rio!
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Best Reaction Faces at the 2016 Rio Olympics