The last day of the 2012 Olympic games ended with America on top of the medal standings, winning 104 overall, including 46 gold.

China's finished second with 87 medals that included 38 gold. Russia finished third in overall medals, while Britain was in fourth. However, Britain won five more gold medals than Russia.

The day's biggest surprise came as Uganda's Stephen Kiprotich won gold in the men's marathon. The race through the streets of London was expected to be a showdown between runners from Kenya and Ethiopia. But Kiprotich surged ahead with less than 5 kilometers to go to take a lead he never relinquished.

His winning time of two hours, eight minutes, and one second was 26 seconds ahead of silver medalist Abel Kirui of Kenya. Another Kenyan, Wilson Kipsang Kiprotich, won the bronze .

In men's basketball, the United States' so-called Dream Team clinched a gold medal by defeating Spain 107-100. Russia beat Argentina to win the bronze.

Women's modern pentathlon was the last competition at the 17-day extravaganza of sport. Lithuania's Laura Asadauskaite won the gold medal and Great Britain's Britain's Samantha Murray took silver.

The closing ceremony is being billed as “A Symphony of British Music,” highlighting one of the country's strongest cultural exports. Artists scheduled to appear during the three-hour celebration include Adele, Elton John, George Michael, Annie Lennox, and the Pet Shop Boys.

Brazil, the host of the 2016 Games, will create a Rio-style carnival, featuring drummers, dancers and women in elaborate carnival costumes.