2016 Rio Olympics: The Best, Worst and Weirdest Moments of the Opening Ceremony
The 2016 Olympics have officially kicked off in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Friday's Opening Ceremony at the Maracanã Stadium was full of memorable moments.
From intricate light shows to oiled-up bodies, we're breaking down the best, worst and weirdest moments from the live presentation.
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THE BEST
Gisele Slays the Catwalk
Getty Images
The Brazilian model made Rio's Maracanã Stadium her personal catwalk as she stunned in a gorgeous, glittering Alexandre Herchcovitch gown. Slay, Gisele, slay!
Brazil's Light Show
Brazil's artistry was on full display during the #OpeningCeremony!
See more: https://t.co/OLUXwsZYga https://t.co/FhHJFUmnA9— NBC Olympics (@NBCOlympics) August 6, 2016
It was hard not to keep our eyes glued to the TV screen during this performance.
The Olympic Rings Go Green
The Olympic Rings with a Rio flair.https://t.co/OLUXwsZYga https://t.co/U7kOtT1NIt
— NBC Olympics (@NBCOlympics) August 6, 2016
The iconic rings were created on the field by hundreds of people holding tree-like props in a flawless formation.
Ode to Parkour
Feeling like we're in a real-life video game 🎮https://t.co/OLUXwsZYga https://t.co/ykEt2EpfFN
— NBC Olympics (@NBCOlympics) August 6, 2016
This cool choreography made viewers at home feel like they were part of a real-life video game.
Oiled-Up Tonga Flag Bearer
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Tonga's flag bearer, Pita Nikolas Taufatofua, made an epic oiled-up entrance that became one of the most talked about moments of the night. The 32-year-old taekwondo athlete became an instant Twitter sensation, adding more than 1,000 Instagram followers within an hour of his appearance, and introducing the same amount of people to the sport of taekwondo.
Gisele Partying
Samba party with @giseleofficial! 💃💃💃
More on the Opening Ceremony: https://t.co/OLUXwsZYga https://t.co/HbEBbNvSjl— NBC Olympics (@NBCOlympics) August 6, 2016
The 36-year-old supermodel killed it, and she knew it, allowing herself to let loose with the crowd for the rest of the ceremony.
The Independent Olympic Athletes
The Refugee Olympic Team has entered the stadium led by flag bearer Rose Lokonyen Nathike. #RefugeeOlympicTeam pic.twitter.com/o0EqpI0H3U
— Refugee Olympic Team (@RefugeesOlympic) August 6, 2016
The Independent Olympic Athletes, consisting mostly of refugees, entered second to last, behind the Olympic flag, and given one of the longest standing ovations of the night.
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THE WORST
Michael Phelps' Light-Up Jacket
The "USA" on the back of Michael Phelps' jacket lights up [getty] pic.twitter.com/0NuZh0dkEM
— Dr Cork Gaines (@CorkGaines) August 6, 2016
The moment we were all waiting for, seeing the most decorated Olympian of all time sporting a Team USA illuminated Ralph Lauren flag bearer jacket, was lackluster. This is how we felt:
RT @McKaylaMaroney Did I just do the Not Impressed face with the President..? // Yes. pic.twitter.com/4BkKAfaV
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) November 17, 2012
Bugs Life
Okay, yeah sure. Why not. pic.twitter.com/N3W9h2lV0Q
— SB Nation (@SBNation) August 6, 2016
Giant bugs… but why?
Brazil Throws Shade at the Wright Brothers
The sky's the limit! ✈️ https://t.co/OLUXwsZYga https://t.co/2zHWopiG2Q
— NBC Olympics (@NBCOlympics) August 6, 2016
The Opening Ceremony honored aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who is celebrated in their country as the first in flight. He powered a flight in 1906, but it was actually the Wright Brothers (#TeamUSA!) who were first. The duo made history in North Carolina in 1903, as many viewers noted on Twitter.
THE WEIRDEST
Up All Night to Get Lucky
4...3...2...1...#OpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/UxACgjLqEJ
— NBC Olympics (@NBCOlympics) August 6, 2016
The Opening Ceremony opened with what looked like hundreds of members of Daft Punk, donning metallic outfits and carrying space pillows.
New Zealand's Entrance
Can we take a moment and appreciate the New Zealand flag bearers. #OpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/UviOUqYbvu
— Meg V. Jones (@ItsMegNotMegan) August 6, 2016
We had no idea Game of Thrones' beloved Robb Stark and his brothers had escaped and found refuge in New Zealand, or we might have visited the country sooner.
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The Bicycles
Now it's time for Brazil to celebrate! https://t.co/OLUXwsZYga https://t.co/SZPsxldnb7
— NBC Olympics (@NBCOlympics) August 6, 2016
Each country's nameplate was tricycled in (yes, you read that right), on the back of a tricked out hippy tricycle.
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