Sochi closes Olympics in the glow of success

Bach said all participants had "overwhelmingly positive" response to the Games and they "loved" the venues and facilities.

"Whether you speak with the athletes, national Olympic committee, international federations, sponsors or broadcasters you hear a lot of praise for these Games," he said.

Bach's recognition was music to ears to the hosts who spent more than $50 billion on a world-class resort, six stadiums and long-term infrastructure improvements for the Sochi region.

Russia, according to Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak, has fulfilled every pledge made by President Putin when he successfully bid for the Olympics in 2007 and promised a "really spectacular event".

Russia, shut out of top 10 with only three golds at last Games, proudly perched atop this time, having garnered 33 medals including 13 golds.

About one fourth of Russia's golds came from former South Korean Victor An, who won Russian hearts by sweeping three golds and one bronze to be the most successful athlete in Sochi.

An now has eight Olympic medals in total after also winning three golds and a bronze for South Korea in 2006.

Norway, spearheaded by Marit Bjergen and Ole Einar Bjoerndalen, came second overall with a 11-5-10 haul.