The Winter Olympics closed with comedy and song, poking fun at the Opening Ceremony's cauldron gaffe and highlighting the host-nation's culture. After a tragic start, the Vancouver Games was able to transform itself into a joyous affair.

From the Opening Ceremony to the Closing and from the snow to the ice, the Vancouver Olympics provided a platform for the world's athletes to showcase their very best. Take a look at some of the defining moments of the Games.

The 2010 U.S. Olympic team put on a performance for the history books. When they gave out the final medals Sunday, the Americans -- for the first time since the 1932 Games in Lake Placid -- stood atop the overall medals table, with 37.

As if meant to be all along, Sidney Crosby scored an overtime goal to lift the host nation over the United States and win its most precious Olympic medal of all -- hockey gold. The game capped off an extraordinary Olympics for Canada.

Think great moments on snow and ice take place only every four years? They happen every day of winter, and Universal Sports has them covered. Follow the Olympic athletes who created magic in Vancouver, and see what they do next.