(Michael Kors jacket and sunglasses, Cos top, J Brand at Donna Ida jeans, Dolce & Gabbana shoes, Michael Kors sunglasses)

Not since I watched the world’s largest fireworks display (at the handover of Hong Kong) have I been to such an epic series of events as the London 2012 Olympics. And the closing ceremony was probably the most emotional and moving display anyone in that stadium had ever witnessed. As the 80,000-strong crowd headed home (we all got the Tube!), the air was filled with a strange kind of sombre sadness, quite frankly we were bereft. To keep the flame alive (see what I did there), I asked Team ELLE for their best Olympic moments (pass the tissues please):

Alice Parfrement, editor in chief’s acting PA/editorial assistant

‘Seeing the opening and closing ceremony fireworks from my boyfriend’s balcony, having front-row seats at the canoe slalom, watching the entire crowd at Victoria Park stand at once to cheer on Mo Farah as he won gold in the 5000m and Andy Murray beating Roger Federer after being defeated at Wimbledon earlier in the year brought more than a tear to my eye! The list goes on, never before and never again will I be so gripped by sports.’

Emily Cronin, online news editor

‘Enjoying a performance from the Queen’s Guard band before the women’s beach volleyball final. What did they play? Don’t Stop Me Now by… yup, Queen.’

Amy Lawrenson, online beauty writer

‘I am now suffering from POD (that’s post-Olympic depression, by the way), so I can’t wait for the Paralympics. Roll on the 29 August!’

Avril Mair, associate editor

‘I stood in the pouring rain to watch cyclist Lizzie Armitstead win silver in the women’s road race, Team GB’s first medal of the games. There had been a huge amount of expectation for Mark Cavendish in the men’s road race the previous day but he didn’t deliver. The fact that Armitstead did, almost matter-of-factly, set the scene for my other favourite moments from 2012: boxer Nicola Adams, judoka Gemma Gibbons, modern pentathlete Samantha Murray and the incredible track cyclist Laura Trott, all of whom performed extraordinary feats of athleticism and physical endeavour to win unexpected medals in relatively “unglamorous” and unhyped sports.’

Seamus Duff, entertainment editor

‘There was a great atmosphere throughout London as a result of the Olympics, with everyone embracing the games and having a good time – and amazingly the Tube seemed to run more efficiently than ever before. So, maybe, for completely selfish reasons, that was actually my ultimate highlight.’

Alice Watt, fashion assistant

‘London was on a two-week, patriotic high which I’ll never forget. The energy and unity was incredible, as was celebrating Super Saturday with my closest friends, and sitting in torrential rain to watch Team GB ride clear rounds at the show jumping. Truly unforgettable.’

Natalie Wansbrough-Jones, senior fashion editor

‘My highlight was Mo Farah receiving his second gold medal for the 5000m. Usain Bolt joined him on the podium and honoured him with a “Mobot” tribute, which Mo returned with Bolt’s “To Di World” signature pose. It was such a genius moment.’

Susan Ward Davies, travel editor

'The highlights for me were James Bond and the Queen in the opening ceremony, the Spice Girls whizzing round on taxis at the closing ceremony (and Boris dancing), any of Tom Daley’s spectacular dives and Usain Bolt and Mo Farah imitating each other. But perhaps the most momentous of all was Sarah Attar, one of the first Saudi women allowed to compete, covered head-to-toe, finishing 45 seconds behind everyone else in her 800m heat and being cheered on every last step.’

Laura Davies, sub-editor

'Wow, where to begin? For me being in the Olympic Park on Super Saturday will stay with me forever, along with the excitement and passion I shared with complete strangers while watching the three Team GB golds on the big screen. I’ve had many incredible moments during my five years in London, but the past two weeks have been the happiest.’

Alice Wignall, features director

'My favourite moments were the final seconds of Jessica Ennis’s final event in the heptathlon, the 800m. She had already won the gold medal based on points accumulated in the previous events – she didn’t need to come first in the race. And just before the end she did drop back slightly. The commentator was saying, “It’s alright, she doesn’t need to win this,” but even as the words were being said you could see Jessica thinking, “Sod this, I’m going over that line before anyone else,” kicking up a gear and doing just that. Amazing!’

Andrew Falconer, managing editor

‘As the biggest Pet Shop Boys fan in the world, I would have to say that seeing Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe dressed in Gareth Pugh and riding rickshaws gave me my biggest Olympic buzz. It was a quintessentially British-but-bonkers moment. Always bottom of the class at sport, I had nothing but admiration for every competitor and envied their focus and determination. Bring on the Paralympics!’

Marissa Bourke, creative director

‘Boris dad dancing. He gets my vote.’

Carrie Tyler, online editor

‘I was at the women’s artistic gymnastic finals and my companions and I watched the action as if we were on a ride at Chessington World of Adventures. Rather like the video of Aly Raisman’s parents watching her perform actually.’

Tim Knowles, online picture editor

‘My defining Olympic moment was the opening ceremony. In typically self-deprecating British fashion, I wondered how it was possible for us to put together a worthy showcase for the games. But a few minutes into the ceremony I knew that it was all going to be OK. London 2012 went on to be recognised by the world as one of the best Olympics of all time. It was a proud moment and made me feel intensely patriotic.’

As for me, the athletes’ stories of how they got to the podium were the most exciting part of the games. When Tom Daley, 18, showed the camera a picture he had drawn of himself on the podium at the 2012 Olympics when he was 10, I realised how incredibly important it is to have a dream and then see it come true.

The simple jacket made interesting by Roberto Cavalli

I take my iPad everywhere so this Gucci case is perfect

This week the Editor is:

Admiring Hanneli Mustaparta's style

Listening to POLICA

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(Photos by Stephanie Sian Smith, Lorraine Candy, Tim Knowles)