In Pictures | Rio 2016 : The highs, the lows and the hilarious from the Olympic fortnight

Ethiopian runner Etenesh Diro became a symbol of resilience when she was brought down and forced to tear off her damaged right shoe and sock during the Olympic trials.

Despite only wearing one shoe, the athlete qualified for the final of the 3000m steeplechase.

(Photo courtesy - Twitter)

When Getty photographer Cameron Spencer shot this photo, he was at the stadium shooting the men's high-jump qualifiers. He just happened to turn up for the 100m sprint semi-final by fluke. Little did he know, that his camera would capture what would go on to be the most iconic moment captured at arguably any Olympic Games.

The photo was this, of the fastest man, Usain Bolt look back and smile while blazing past his opponents.

(Photo courtesy - Twitter)

The preliminary round of beach volleyball between Germany and Egypt at the Olympic Games in Rio, will be one that would be etched deep in the minds of many. While the beach saw the German team clad in their bikini for the beach volleyball, which is the dress code for the game, the Egyptian team emerged in full body suits with just their face visible, their uniform completed with hijab.

The game was a proof of how sports is functional in bringing together such diverse cultures.

(Photo courtesy - AFP)

Setting a benchmark in women's swimming, Katie Ledecky won the 800m gold by a massive margin of over 11 seconds, to break her own record and make history.

If the time reference is not enough, this photo speaks of how fast she was. Katie Ledecky is to the extreme left, finishing exactly 11.38 seconds before the runner up, Jazmin Carlin.

(Photo courtesy - Reuters)

Shaunae Miller of Bahamas made a dive for the finish line to win the gold medal ahead of Allyson Felix of the United States (US) and Shericka Jackson of Jamaica at the women's 400m final. Although diving across the finish line is unorthodox, and rarely happens, it was confirmed by the authorities that doing so was not against the rules.

(Photo courtesy - Reuters)

"At one moment, I thought my dream was over, my race was over. I tried to be tough, and that is what I did,” Mo Farah told BBC Radio Five Live, when he spoke of the time when stumbled during the final of the 10,000m race.

Great Britain's Mo Farah won his fourth Olympic gold, completing 'double-double' as he became only the second man to retain the 5,000m and 10,000m titles, and the first in 40 years.

(Photo courtesy - Reuters)

Nikki Hamblin of New Zealand helps Abbey D'Agostino of the United States (US) get up and complete the race after she falls down with a cramp during the women's 5000m heat. (Photo courtesy - Reuters)

Gymnasts Hong Un Jong of North Korea and Lee Eun Ju of South Korea take a selfie together. One of those rare times when the North and the South of Korea came together, without any military repercussion. (Photo courtesy - Twitter)

All that glitters is not gold, and Pita Taufatofua of Tonga proved that. Participating in Taekwondo, Pita made the news as the Games kicked off, for showing up at the Opening Ceremony glistening with coconut oil. Unfortunately, the shirtless sensation was eliminated in the first rounds of the sport. (Photo courtesy - Twitter)

A Japanese gold medallist, Risako Kawai celebrated her wrestling win by slamming her coach to the ground before parading him around the arena on her shoulders.

Risako Kawai, who claimed Japan's fourth gold medal in women's wrestling in Rio, will be remembered for her celebration besides the incredible performance that got her the gold.

(Photo courtesy - Reuters)

Egyptian judoka Islam El Shehaby was sent home from the Rio Olympics after refusing to shake the hand of Israeli Or Sasson following the end of their bout, the International Olympic Committee. Besides being a breach of conduct, it was show of the lack of sportsmanship. (Photo courtesy - Twitter)