The show drew homegrown stars, like supermodel Gisele Bundchen, who walked across the stadium to the sound of Bossa Nova hit “Girl from Ipanema”.
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As for the decision to broadcast and stream the opening ceremony on a one-hour delay, NBC Sports Group chairman Mark Lazarus said last month that while Rio would be the most “live” Olympics yet because it’s only an hour ahead of the East Coast, the network was delaying the opening ceremony “to give context to the show”. The 16-year-old Hernandez was born as Chusovitina was planning to compete in her third Olympics in 2000.
The 2016 Rio Olympics are going to be something to watch, from the unfolding controversies to the uplifting stories of athletes making their way to Brazil.
“Our admiration is even greater because you managed this at a very hard time in Brazilian history. We have always believed in you”.
The mainland athletes, decked out in their familiar red and yellow outfits, are China’s largest delegation (711, including 416 athletes) in Olympic history – outside the 2008 Beijing Games – of whom 35 are trying to defend their Olympic crowns. “Here is our Olympic answer”.
The head of the organizing committee of the “Rio 2016” Carlos Nuzman, and head of the IOC Thomas Bach delivered speech at the solemn opening ceremony.
A peaceful protest against the Olympic Games was held near the Maracana Stadium on Friday afternoon. Let’s live our dream together and stay together when circumstances challenge us. He thanked Brazil for hosting the games amid political turbulence.
“We believed it, and we did it. Rio is ready to make history”.
The lighting of the Olympic flame itself – by marathon runner Vanderlei Cordeiro de Lima whose gold medal hopes at Athens were dashed by an intruding spectator – was a compact but brilliant and classy affair.
Soccer legend Pele was to have taken part, but the 75-year-old did not attend due to health issues.
And despite describing the final rehearsal as a “disaster”, Meirelles and Games organizers will be relieved that festivities went off without a hitch.
“I wish I was in there, I wish I could have got a ticket!” said Amelia Didier, 43, suddenly rushing out into the street to look at fireworks that she’d just seen on the live television coverage. I’m proud of my city, my country. “I believe that the unity is the key to creating a world filled with kindness, gratitude, peace, and love”.
Following the tradition, Greece, the birthplace of ancient Olympics, led the athletes’ parade with the hosts country Brazil coming last.
The defending World Cup champion USA women’s national team, which opened with a 2-0 win over New Zealand on Wednesday, continues group play against France.
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As Brazilian officials took their seats in the stadium, there were shouts of “out with Temer” from sections of the crowd.
