Winners Italy, (from left to right): Buratti, Lanzarotti, Angelini, Lauria, Versace, Sementa		Runners Up Brazil, (from left to right): Campos, Villas Boas, Branco, Chagas

Winning Women Europe (from left to right): Bessis, Smith, D'Ovidio, van der Pas, Davies, Vriend, J. Auken (npc), von Arnim, S. Auken

Italy and Europe's women duly completed the victories that were on the cards yesterday. Both our champions were in irresistible form, and they had to be in order to defeat such outstanding opponents as Brazil and North America. France won the play off for third place.

Although bridge players all over the world have been following this tournament on the Internet, it is only the lucky ones who have been here in some capacity, as competitors, spectators, officials or administrators, who have been able to fully capture the exciting atmosphere that accompanies this event.

The President of the IOC, Juan Antonio Samaranch at the Closing Ceremony

The setting of the Olympic Museum, dedicated to sporting achievements of the past, present and the future, inspires the players. Salt Lake City is very much on everyone's mind.

When she arrived at the museum, Sabine Auken's first comment was how much she was looking forward to the opening ceremony where the competitors parade behind their national flag.

That incredible prospect calls to mind these words of the founder of the modern games: