Seb Coe hailed the London 2012 Olympics a big success today and said thank you during the nation's final farewell to the Games.
Speaking with great pride during the closing ceremony at the Olympic Stadium in Stratford, east London, he said: "On the first day of these Games I said we were determined to do it right. I said that these Games would see the best of us.
"On this last day I can conclude with these words: "When our time came - Britain we did it right. Thank you!"
The London 2012 chairman, himself a two-time Olympic 1500m champion, recognised the athletes for their world-beating performances, but spoke movingly of how Britain had backed the Games.
Coe: 'When our time came - Britain we did it right. Thank you'
Lord Coe said: "Today sees the closing of a wonderful Games in a wonderful city.
"We lit the flame and lit up the world."
The success can be traced back to the people who built the stadiums and the Olympic Park from where was speaking that was once a disused and deprived district through to the organisers and the sports stars who put on a great show.
He told the packed crowd: "And thank you to the people of this country. The British people got behind London's bid and they got behind London's Games. Our opening ceremony proclaimed that these would be a Games for everyone.
"At our closing ceremony, we can say that these were a Games by everyone.
"London 2012 has played host to some incredible sport. To awe inspiring feats, that are the result of incredible dedication and skill by the world's great sports men and women.
"To all the Olympians who came to London to compete - thank you. Those of us who came to watch witnessed moments of heroism and heartbreak that will live long in the memory.
"You have our admiration and our congratulations."
Thousands of volunteers now have the right to carry the phrase `I made London 2012' with them as a badge of honour, according to Lord Coe.
London 2012 has had the backing of the International Olympic Committee "every step of the way," he noted.
It has all been part of "two glorious weeks" which he believes can carry the Olympic spirit on and inspire a generation.
Spectators on Sunday night said they felt as though they were part of history after witnessing the Olympics closing ceremony.
Fans said they were emotional watching the final hurrah for the London 2012 Games, describing the spectacular event as a fitting tribute to two remarkable weeks of athleticism.
Patricia Rowe, 60, from Bolton, said: "I am speechless.
"It was very sad, the extinguishing of the flame - it put a tear in my eye.
"I just don't think it could be topped. Everything from start to finish was wonderful.
"We feel like we are part of history now."
Her daughter Rebecca Rowe, 31, said: "We didn't know where to look. I think we've set such a good example for the next Games.
"Take That were great, and the fireworks. Gary Barlow was so brave coming out. It made us cry because we're properly soft."
Will Lashley, originally from West Virginia in the United States but now living in West Hampstead, north London, said: "I loved all of the music. It was terrific.
"My two favourite moments were seeing Eric Idle surrounded by a crowd of Bollywood dancers and looking completely flummoxed and then the Brazilians coming on and psyching everyone up for the next Olympics.
"I am very, very proud to say that I live in London after seeing what a great job we have done with the Olympics. I am very, very happy to be here."
