The torch is out and the medals have been awarded. The competition at the Summer Olympics is over for another four years.

Greece, the smallest country to host the Summer Games in more than 50 years, deserves congratulations – and doom predictors should be eating a little crow. Questions about whether venues would be done in time, whether security would hold up and whether brand new transportation systems would work dogged Greece right up until the Olympic torch caught fire during the opening ceremonies.

Despite the pessimism – much of which Greece caused by the slow pace of construction after being awarded the games in 1997 – the event was wonderful. For a country of only 11 million people, the costs are steep. Estimates put the bill at $9 billion, including $1.2 billion just for security.

Athletes from 202 countries competed in the games. There were inspiring moments and great triumphs. There were also disappointments, controversy and cheating. Seven competitors were stripped of medals for doping violations; Paul Hamm’s gold in the gymnastics all-around competition is soured by a judging error and a Brazil marathoner was mugged by a spectator, perhaps costing him the gold.

The United States won the medal chase, with dominating performances on the track, in the pool and in women’s team sports. But six countries won medals for the very first time.

The Olympics returned to Athens, the birthplace of the games. It was a great homecoming.