Rio Olympics 2016

Last night kicked off the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janerio, Brazil with the Opening Ceremony! I love the Olympics and although I don’t watch that many of the events I have my favorites that I always make sure to watch. For the summer olympics, I always watch gymnastics and swimming.

For some reason, I have not been as excited as usual about this Olympics. Perhaps it’s because I’ve been preoccupied with the upcoming election here in the US or it could be because there hasn’t been as much hype about it as usual (at least I don’t think it’s been talked about as much) which could be because of the rumors that Rio was extremely unprepared to host. Regardless, I’ll still be watching!

I always enjoy watching the opening ceremony because the host country usually puts on a spectacular show highlighting its history with lots of artistic flair and wow factor. And then there’s the parade of the nations which I always look forward to, especially when Team USA comes in!

Aspects of the opening ceremony were visually stunning such as the rainforest they created or the virtual buildings that the performers jumped and flipped onto as they “rose up” from the floor. However, overall I would say I was a bit underwhelmed. Don’t get me wrong, I think they still put on an amazing show considering there were a lot of reports of them being unprepared overall, but it wasn’t the kind of performance that had my undivided attention nor one that I wanted to rewind on my DVR and rewatch.

Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen walked across the stadium to “The Girl from Ipanema” and looked glamorous on what must have been the longest walk ever. Although the Internet seemed to go crazy over it, I’m not a big Gisele fan. I will admit that she looked great and it must have been an unforgettable experience for her though!

The highlight for me was Team USA’s entrance with Michael Phelps as the flag bearer. The team consisting of over 500 athletes looking patriotically dapper in their Ralph Lauren navy blue blazers, red, white & blue shirts, and white pants. Michael Phelps, being the flag bearer, had a special blazer provided to him by Ralph Lauren. According to the Associated Press, the back of his blazer has the US Olympic team symbol featuring electroluminescent panels so that it would glow.

One thing I love about the Olympics, aside from the events, is that the competition brings the world together. Despite any turmoil going on in the world, people around the world watch and cheer their countries on. Politics are put aside (I assume) and each country tries to win that coveted gold medal and have their flag hoisted above the others while their national anthem plays.

I’m hoping Team USA takes home lots of medals! What are some of the events you guys like to watch?