Going For The Gold In Rio
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer
Months turned into weeks, weeks turned into days and days became mere minutes. Now it has arrived like fireworks on a warm July 4th evening. The anticipation is over and the Summer Olympics 2016 are underway in Rio. It all began on Friday, August 5, 2016 with the traditional Opening Ceremony of the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games which was televised across the globe. Not only was it an opportune time for the citizens of Brazil to show off what their country is most known for, but, it was the one night when the best athletes in all of the world, hailing from 207 countries, unite in camaraderie to enjoy the festivities that the evening has to offer, putting aside diversity and differences.
It was an amazing experience to watch the history of Brazil unfold right before our very eyes. It began with the rain forests engulfing the ground on which the stadium was built. The focus was on the history of the country with slavery depicted in dance. The message was clearly then switched to the plight of climate change. Recognizing the budget constraints, Brazil chose to bring their story to life, leaving the animation and illumination to the state-of-the-art projector. Laser beams catapulted from side to side, leading way into a cascade of running water. The scenery was gorgeously effervescent covering the entire Maracana stadium. To bring the whole ceremony into context for those who cannot imagine how much effort goes into the production, here are just a few of the statistics. Over 35,000 professionals took part in the making and performing of the extravaganza, 5500 costumes appeared before our eyes in less than an hour’s timeframe, and 12 Samba schools were performing for the audience.
One of the other highlights of the evening was the symbolic runway walk of Brazilian-born supermodel, Gisele Bundchen. She absolutely glistened in a Alexandre Herchovitch gown as she paraded slowly down the runway to the song, “The Girl From Ipanema”, her head held high. She claimed that this was the longest catwalk she had ever encountered in her entire modeling career. Once she made it down, Brazilian musical artists, MC Soffia and Karol Conka, brought the audience to their feet as they bellowed out their songs, modern rap of the moment. The stage was handed off to additional musical artists who thrilled the crowds. The cameras panned in on Gisele dancing her heart away, hands swaying from side to side.
With all the hoopla and hurrah’s, the real theme behind the opening ceremony cannot be lost. The three topics that the Olympic Opening Ceremony focused on were, “The Garden”, “Diversity” and “Joy”. Brazil is the one country that prides itself on having the greatest biodiversity in the world and their overwhelming message had to be “Save Our Earth.” The impressive show was followed by the athletes favorite part of the evening. It was the “Parade Of Nations” with the contenders representing their countries and one chosen athlete or official carrying the flag at the head of the pack. Since the countries came out based on the Brazilian alphabet, it was not as long a wait to see ‘Estadas United States’ a team made up of 500 athletes wearing their Ralph Lauren specially designed attire in patriotic colors. Never have we seen so many flashing iPhones and selfie sticks along with beaming smiles. It was an unforgettable moment as the audience cheered, creating a definite confidence booster for the athletes. The American Flag was held high and paraded around the stadium by an exceptional athlete, Michael Phelps. Phelps is the most decorated Olympic swimmer in history, winning a total of 22 medals before he even arrived at Rio. He has been doing spectacular at these games, tying a 2,168-year-old record with all the medals he has additionally earned in just a few days. The biggest applause (aside from the host nation) came when the team of Refugee Athletes marched into the stadium just ahead of the Brazilian team. They received a standing ovation from the crowd.
This picture shows an overview of Samba dancers performing during the opening ceremony of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro on August 5, 2016. / AFP / Antonin THUILLIER (Photo credit should read ANTONIN THUILLIER/AFP/Getty Images)
The Parade of Nations led directly into the ‘Lighting Of The Torch’, signaling the triumphant beginning of the Summer 2016 Olympics of Rio. There was much speculation around who would do the honors but it all came down to Brazilian former marathon runner, Vanderlei Cordeiro de Lima. Although there were three billion spectators and 30 million viewers watching on television and computers, this opening ceremony turned out to be one of the lowest watched since the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games Opening Ceremony. Nevertheless, it will still go down in history.
Now, close to 11,000 athletes will go for the gold and so far, the United States has proven that it rules with outstanding competitors. The women’s gymnastic team has knocked it out of the park, proving that they are the champions, hard to beat. They may be young and small, but they have a very powerful prowess that dominates their talent. The United States has ruled the men’s swimming competition as well. As of Wednesday, August 10, 2016, here are the standings. The United States is out in front, earning 29 medals of which 10 are gold. In second place is China with 21 medals of which 9 are gold. Japan is placing third place with 17 medals, and 6 of those gold. In fourth place is Hungary, earning 7 medals of which 5 are gold.
One of the unique parts of this year’s games is that all 11,000 athletes were given a seed from a Brazilian plant. Each and every one of these seeds will be planted in the “Athletes Garden” in Rio once the games come to a close. This Garden will serve as a legacy to the games and to the crucial message of climate change.
The Olympic Games will continue through August 21st, 2016, watched live in Rio and across the globe on television sets and computer screens. There are a series of sports creating a roar and keeping fans on the edge of their seats, from Womens’ Gymnastics to swimming, table tennis, basketball, volleyball, weightlifting and more.
Go for the Gold and make your country proud!
