For Uganda, this year’s Olympic closing ceremony held special significance.

Ugandan Stephen Kiprotich unexpectedly took the gold in the marathon on Sunday, only the second time in history that Uganda has won gold. The last time was 40 years ago when John Akii-Bua won the gold for the men’s 400 meter hurdles in the 1972 Olympics.

“I was unknown,” Kiprotich said. “Now I am known.”

That statement couldn’t be more true, as Kiprotich received his gold medal during the closing ceremony of the Olympics while the whole world watched.

“It is wonderful for my country, my family, my people, everybody in Uganda,” Kiprotich said. “I’m very happy.”

(Photo credit: BBC World News)