RIO NAILED THE OPENING CEREMONYWith the budget a fraction of recent games, the Brazilians presented a beautiful, thoughtful opening ceremony that spawned celebrations across the city. Of note was an embrace of the LGBT community, a nod towards preserving our planet and the lack of an introduction for interim Brazilian president Michel Temer.
LIGHTING THE CALDRONCordeiro de Lima, a marathon bronze medalist at Athens, got the honor of closing the Olympic torch relay. De Lima endeared himself to the world at the 2004 Games when he didn’t let a race-spoiling interference get him down. Brazilian soccer legend Pele declined the role due to his failing health.
GISELE'S FINAL STRUTDressed 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.
FIRST EVER REFUGEE TEAMTime and again, the Olympic games have served to reflect and even amplify this spirit. It has allowed people to represent their countries—even if they weren’t officially recognized by their neighbors or members of the United Nations. But this summer, one group’s participation will doubtless outshine even Kosovo’s historic inclusion. The first ever refugee team will participate at the games in Rio, representing not a country, but the 65 million people displaced (internally, or outside their country) by war and persecution.
THAT GUY FROM TONGAThe island nation may have just a single medal ever (a silver in 1996), but it sparked a buzz around the stadium and across the Internet with oiled-up flagbearer Pita Nikolas Taufatofua. The 32-year-old taekwondo competitor is in his first Games.
RIO NAILED THE OPENING CEREMONYWith the budget a fraction of recent games, the Brazilians presented a beautiful, thoughtful opening ceremony that spawned celebrations across the city. Of note was an embrace of the LGBT community, a nod towards preserving our planet and the lack of an introduction for interim Brazilian president Michel Temer.
LIGHTING THE CALDRONCordeiro de Lima, a marathon bronze medalist at Athens, got the honor of closing the Olympic torch relay. De Lima endeared himself to the world at the 2004 Games when he didn’t let a race-spoiling interference get him down. Brazilian soccer legend Pele declined the role due to his failing health.GISELE'S FINAL STRUTDressed 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.FIRST EVER REFUGEE TEAMTime and again, the Olympic games have served to reflect and even amplify this spirit. It has allowed people to represent their countries—even if they weren’t officially recognized by their neighbors or members of the United Nations. But this summer, one group’s participation will doubtless outshine even Kosovo’s historic inclusion. The first ever refugee team will participate at the games in Rio, representing not a country, but the 65 million people displaced (internally, or outside their country) by war and persecution.
THAT GUY FROM TONGAThe island nation may have just a single medal ever (a silver in 1996), but it sparked a buzz around the stadium and across the Internet with oiled-up flagbearer Pita Nikolas Taufatofua. The 32-year-old taekwondo competitor is in his first Games.