Ok, so I said 3 days ago that however you dress them up the Olympics are about the sports. But the Opening and Closing ceremonies of the olympics are some of the hottest tickets in town and can say a lot about the host nation and it's people- as well as being a great opportunity to celebrate the spirit of the Games
Here are some of my memories of the ceremonies from the last 3 Olympic Games.
VancouverHigh points- The Snowboarder opening the games by junping through the olympic rings, Choosing Joannnie Rochette as Canadian flagbearer for the closing ceremony, Getting the athletes in at the start so they actually got to enjoy the show for once!
Low point - the 4th leg of the torch not working- but in true canadian style they aknowledged the mistake and made 'fixing it' part of the closing ceremony.
Beijing
High Points- the spectacle, probably the largest, most grand opening ceremony we'll ever see with a cast of over 15,000 - Only china can afford that amount of money and manpower!
Low Point- Choosing one girl to sing a chinese patriotic song at the ceremony then deciding to replace her with a 'cuter' girl who mimed the song to a recording of her voice.
Torino
High Point - The Italian anthem - Always a fave of mine. Luciano Pavarotti singing Nessun Dorma in his last public performance.
Low Point - I believe pavarotti was also miming - but to his own voice this time (the organizers were worried about the effect that the cold would have on the 70 year old tenor.)
.... C is also for Coaches
It takes more than 1 to reach an olympic medal. Countries put aside millions of pounds/dollars etc every olympic cycle to nurture talented kids into champion athletes. We may not aggree with them all the time- we may think some of them are downright laughable- but great athletes need great coaches!
Add another high point to Vancouver's opening ceremony- Coaches marching in alongside their athletes for the very first time.
Hawkeye- An intimidating lineup of Olympic skating coaches in Vancouver!
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