Yet the giddy euphoria that invariably accompanies the opening of an Olympic Games has been notably absent as Brazil grapples with a tanking economy and a grim litany of social problems. Surely, amid the bloated ceremonials, a space could be found for, you know, some actual sport.
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It’s been a bumpy ride for Rio with worries about the country’s ability to afford it, the preparations and sport’s credibility in the face of a divisive doping crisis, security and infrastructure concerns and the Zika virus, but South America’s first ever Olympics is now ready to entertain.
New countries such as Kosovo and South Sudan took their place in the pageant for the first time, as well as a team of refugee athletes, with big cheers for nations with large immigrant communities in Brazil, such as Italy and Japan, and roars for the more recognisable flag bearers such as tennis star Rafa Nadal and swimmer Michael Phelps.
The Olympic cauldron was lit by Brazilian former long-distance runner Vanderlei Cordeiro de Lima.
The following performance involved samba drumming, dancing, appearances by Brazilian celebrities like supermodel Gisele Bundchen and the story of Brazil’s history. “These are your games, the first in South America”. It’s his first Olympic Games after being appointed IOC president in 2013. There will be two cauldrons in Rio, one at the Maracana and another open to the public in downtown Rio. The Australian Olympic team initially refused to move into its housing, citing clogged toilets and exposed wiring in the dormitories.
“This is the moment of the “maravilhosa cidade” (marvellous city)”, said International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach. “With your great talent and human spirit, you are making a great contribution to society”.
Phelps is the most decorated Olympian of all-time with 22 career medals.
The 2016 Olympics run until August 21 with athletes from 206 countries along with a team of Refugees to compete in 28 different games.
The Olympic torch began its final journey to the opening ceremony beneath the outstretched arms of the city’s iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, while anti-government protests clogged the famous Copacabana beach boulevard. While we can neither confirm nor deny, we can say this: There’s likely to be more stunning feats of athletic prowess in the days to come.
Rio’s Olympics are costing almost $12 billion but critics argue even legacy projects like a new metro line, bus highways and massive real estate developments have done little to improve the lives of the city’s marginalized. Lea has blazed her own path in the fashion industry, working with everyone from Givenchy to Redken.
Once all teams made their way, capstoned by Brazil, an elaborate use of lighting and mirrors dazzled the arena floor forming the Olympic rings, each wrapped in greenery. 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.
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The jeers Brazil’s interim leader Temer was trying to avoid at the outset of the ceremony could not be avoided later on, though, as his short address to officially open the Olympics was drowned out by loud catcalls.
