With the budget a fraction of recent games, the Brazilians presented a handsome, thoughtful opening ceremony that spawned celebrations across the city.
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The first South American country to host the Olympics used the opening of the Games to tell a version of the country’s history – from slavery to mega-cities. New International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach declared the Rio Games open during last night’s Opening Ceremony.
Rio 2016 has had a hard upbringing with worries about the country’s ability to afford it, Rio’s preparations and sport’s credibility in the face of a divisive doping crisis, but South America’s first ever Olympics is now ready to entertain the world and perhaps revive a nation. Supermodel Gisele Bundchen shimmered to the tune of “The Girl from Ipanema”. “I hope these Olympics will show people how we can come back together”.
The three-hour ceremony included fireworks that spelled “Rio” in the sky and a display of traditional Brazilian music.
Amid doping scandals and political problems, Brazil delivered its Olympic opening ceremony in style on Friday evening.
On behalf of all 11,288 competitors (6,182 men; 5,106 women), Brazilian two-time Olympic champion sailor Robert Scheidt pledged that they won’t take banned drugs _ an oath likely to ring false to fans after the scandal of government-orchestrated cheating in Russian Federation. Phelps is the most decorated Olympian of all-time with 22 career medals.
Phelps, 31, is competing in his fifth and final Olympics.
Dressed in a shimmering gown from controversial designer Alexandre Herchcovitch, Brazil native Gisele Bundchen sashayed across the Maracana Stadium to The Girl From Ipanema in what was her swan song as a runway model. “We are living in a world of crises, mistrust and uncertainty”, he said.
The cauldron, which is smaller to represent the 2016 Games’ call for environmental restraint (really), is backed by a gorgeous and elaborate wind-powered sculpture that reflects the flame’s light. Lea has blazed her own path in the fashion industry, working with everyone from Givenchy to Redken. But last night marked a major moment for both her and her country – the Huffington Post reports that more than 50 transgender people were killed in under a month’s time in Brazil this year. The Tae Kwon Do competitor is sure to be a favorite in the coming weeks.
Since the Olympics just started, no medals have been awarded yet. It was a largely nostalgic look at Brazilian history and what life looked like in the country before the Europeans settled – again pulled off elegantly and without the complicated and ambitious routines we’ve seen in previous opening ceremonies. Here are some snapshots from the wonderful event.
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I’m happy to be here – Rafeal Nadal smiles alongside members of Spain’s Olympic team in the Parade of Nations.
