The Best and the Worst From the Rio Games

RIO DE JANEIRO — As if this city did not have enough problems to overcome, rain and high winds swept through here shortly before the closing ceremony, sending branches and balcony fixtures plummeting onto sidewalks and automobile hoods.

In what by now is standard fashion at these Olympics, the Brazilians soldiered on and found a way, even on backup generator power at the Maracanã stadium.

It was a high-wire Games: full of challenges and contrasts, abrupt shifts in mood and momentum. It was no doubt quite a mess backstage and yet quite a spectacle at the front of the house.

But it is now time for the traditional wrap parties and an extra layer of relief, and definitely time to hand out our…