This year, Brazil hosted the Summer Olympic Games, otherwise known as the Games of the XXXI Olympiad, in Rio De Janeiro. Over the course of 17 days, from August 5th to August 21st, the world came together as one to spectate countries battling for the gold.

The first Olympic games started over 3,000 years ago in Greece, and later returned in 1896, although they were not officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee until after 1906.

With a few exceptions, the Olympic Games are held every four years, which is known as an Olympiad.

Although three of the Summer Olympics were canceled in the past due to war, the tradition still lives on.

Over 11,000 athletes competed in Brazil this year. The United States took home the gold though, with a total of 121 medal, 46 of them being gold. In second place for gold medals came the United Kingdom with 27, and in a close third was China, with 26 gold medals.

Among the most memorable performances was that of Michael Phelps, who led the Americas on to victory. At the age of 31 with 28 medals over the course of his career, he has announced his retirement, saying “There’s no better way to top off a twenty-four-year career,” in an interview on The Tonight Show.

Katie Ledecky, another American swimmer, also proved herself in the pool by breaking the world record in the 400m and 800m and earning four gold medals.

Among the American gymnasts, Simone Biles, just 19 years old, won five medals, four golds in the individual-all around, team-all around, vault, and floor competitions.

Jamaican sprinter, Usain Bolt, defended his title by taking gold in the 100m, 200m, and the 4x100m relay. He holds the world record in all three.

“There you go, I’m the greatest,” said Bolt after winning the 4x100m relay.

Among the American sprinters was Allyson Felix, who won gold in the 4x100m and 4x400m relays along with a silver in the 400m.

Puerto Rican, Monica Puig, made history as the first person from her country to earn an Olympic Gold medal as she claimed the victory in women’s tennis singles .

“I know the country really appreciates this, and I really wanted to give this victory to them,” she said. “And the way I did it tonight, I wouldn’t want it any other way,” Puig said, according to the NY Times.

The next Summer Olympics will be held in Tokyo, Japan in 2020.