But with more than a dash of “gambiarra”, the Brazilian art of quick-fixes and making do, Rio de Janeiro is ready.
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Unpopular interim Brazilian President Michel Temer is expected to attend the opening ceremony.
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. Fewer than 25 foreign heads of state were expected, with others seemingly staying away to avoid giving the impression of taking sides amid Brazil’s leadership uncertainty.
Bach said the presence of the IOC’s Olympic refugee team – comprising 10 athletes who have fled war or poverty to compete in Rio – was a riposte to a world “where selfishness is gaining ground, where certain people claim to be superior to others”.
Rose Lokonyen Nathike, who will run in the women’s 800 meters, led her team, waving the Olympic flag.
For Phelps, the moment came as a culmination of his ascent back to the worldwide stage following a trying four years since the London Games. The athletes’ red and white jackets boasted – what else – a maple leaf.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was not present at Maracana Stadium. Canada was represented by Governor General David Johnston.
“On behalf of all Canadians, I extend my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to our athletes who have displayed such tremendous dedication and commitment”, Trudeau wrote in a statement. When they sprout, they will be planted in a Rio park.
But there were 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 Rafa Nadal and Michael Phelps. He’s slated to compete in three individual events here.
The IOC’s decision not to impose a blanket ban on Russia over revelations of a state-sponsored doping program opened the door to legal turmoil which left the precise make-up of the Russian team in limbo.
The Russian team was led into the stadium by flag bearer Sergei Tetiukhin, who is on the men’s volleyball team. Rio is proud to be the Olympic capital of the world.
Brazil’s most-famous song, Girl from Ipanema, was blasted out as supermodel Gisele Bundchen strutted through the arena. You know We obviously have a very diverse team of people from all over the world. “I’ve been told it’s 4-4 ½ hours, so we’ll see”.
Team Croatia enters the stadium during the opening ceremony for the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday, Aug. 5, 2016.
The ceremony concluded with more fireworks and a stunning visual show as the Olympic cauldron was lit and risen into the air.
Millions are predicted to view the opening ceremony, which will feature plenty of South American culture, including local history, diversity, and even samba dancing, the Associated Press reports.
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“His doctor thought it best that he continues physiotherapy, that he rests and we hope that he will be able to appear at the [Olympic] closing ceremony”.
