Dr. Rogge had previously declared he would be breaking with tradition in his closing speech as President of the IOC and that he would never use the words of his predecessor Juan Antonio Samaranch , who used to always say ' these were the best ever games ' . Dr. Rogge had described Salt Lake City 2002 as " superb games " and in turn would continue after Athens 2004 and describe Turin 2006 as " truly magnificent games . " The national anthems of Greece and China were played in a handover ceremony as both nations ' flags were raised . The Mayor of Athens , Dora Bakoyianni , passed the Olympic Flag to the Mayor of Beijing , Wang Qishan . After a short cultural performance by Chinese actors , dancers , and musicians directed by eminent Chinese director Zhang Yimou , Rogge declared the 2004 Olympic Games closed . The Olympic flag was next raised again on 10 February 2006 during the opening ceremony of next Winter Olympics in Torino
opening ceremony of next Winter Olympics
2006 Winter Olympics opening ceremony
2004 Summer Olympics