Culture

Here’s What You Missed From The Rio Opening Ceremony

Acknowledging climate change. Honouring goon bags.

by Tom Clift  6 August 2016

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The lead-up to Rio hasn’t exactly been smooth, with everything from doping scandals to “unlivable” athlete accommodation threatening to overshadow the excitement of the games themselves. And yet, against all the odds, this morning saw the 2016 Olympic Games officially begin with an opening ceremony that, although perhaps not as spectacular as previous years, should go down as no less memorable.

Recent opening ceremonies have become increasingly extravagant affairs. Who could forget the Queen of England throwing herself out of a helicopter, or the sight of thousands of Chinese performers moving in perfect harmony like their lives literally depended on it? Not to mention Sydney, where we had Nikki Webster and an Olympic cauldron that got stuck halfway up a waterfall. So yeah, good luck topping that.

On The World Stage

In comparison to previous years, the Rio opening, which had only one tenth of the budget of the London ceremony four years ago, seemed to be more about the message than the spectacle. In particular, there was a surprisingly strong focus on the global impact of climate change. Early in proceedings, computer images depicted the impact of rising sea levels on major cities, dividing viewers online.

Later, as the athletes entered the arena, they were each presented with a seed that they planted in a series of metal columns. These were then moved to the centre of the stadium, where they opened up to reveal foliage in the shape of the Olympic rings.

The ceremony also confronted Brazil’s history of colonialism and slavery. During an extended segment that chronicled the country’s past, performers dressed as slaves made their way across the stadium to the sound of drums and whips. This too split opinions on the web.

Party In Rio

Of course just because there was a serious side to the ceremony doesn’t mean it didn’t also feature its fair share of joyous, over-the-top, borderline incomprehensible pageantry. In fact the whole evening began with what many Australian viewers would have immediately identified as a tribute to the humble goon bag.

There was singing and dancing and some truly bizarre costumes, including these ones worn by helpful volunteers to point the athletes in the right direction during the parade of nations.

The Brazilian’s even tried to take credit for inventing the airplane, with a tribute to Alberto Santos-Dumont, who they argue beat the Wright Brothers into the sky.

The Australians, meanwhile, were looking particularly sharp in their mint toothpaste-inspired candy striped blazers, led by team captain Anna Meares.

It all culminated with the Olympic flame being lit by marathon runner Vanderlei Cordeiro de Lima. De Lima won bronze at Athens, despite being attacked by a spectator during the middle of his race. Soccer star Pele was originally meant to do the honours, but  reportedly pulled out due to ill-health.

So there you have it. Despite the hiccups, the Olympics are underway. Now strap yourself in for two whole weeks of sports you only vaguely know the rules to. Fuck yeah synchronised swimming!