The Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro gave, and they took away. In the end, we all saw a lineup of tennis medalists who reflected well on the sport, its global reach, and those athletes' own verve for competition and representing their countries.

Count down the winners and losers, the best or worst or most memorable stories from the 2016 Olympics:

16

John Inverdale perhaps inadvertently snagged headlines for his question to Andy Murray after the gold-medal match in Rio, but it was retired Canadian Olympian Adam Kreek's sizing-up, belittling comments about Eugenie Bouchard that did more damage.

Noting her penchants for exploring fashion and beauty (sorry, "hairstyles") and performing sponsorship activities—something all athletes with endorsements must do—he needled her first-round Rio singles loss. He later more or less apologized on his website. (You're welcome for the forthcoming page views, Mr. Kreek. Do let this be a lesson.) Even so, Murray seized the boldface headlines, and J.K. Rowling once again lifted her tweeting fingers to chime in for good measure.

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Check out No. 15.