The Olympic flame was officially passed over to Rio 2016 at Panathinaiko Stadium in Athens ©Getty Images

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Rio 2016 President Carlos Nuzman (right) received the Olympic Torch from Spyros Capralos, head of the Hellenic Olympic Committee (left) in Athens ©Getty Images

A sand sculpture marking the milestone was created on Copacabana Beach ©Getty Images

The Christ the Redeemer statute overlooking Rio was lit up in the colours of the Brazilian flag ©Getty Images

Tokyo, Olympic Games hosts in 2020, also lit up their Metropolitan Government building in tribute ©Getty Images

South Korean athletes paraded their teams' kit for the Games ©Getty Images

New Zealand marked the occasion with a traditional Maori haka ©Getty Images

Carl Lewis, Nastia Liukin and David Boudia attended a United States' team event at the Empire State building ©Getty Images

The British team kit launch was held in London ©Getty images

Numerous French athletes took part in their celebration event opposite the Eiffel Tower ©Getty Images