The Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics have been declared open following a spectacular opening ceremony going down on the iconic Beijing Nationwide Stadium.
Over 3000 athletes from 91 nations, together with debutants from Haiti and Saudi Arabia, will compete in 15 sports activities totalling 109 medal occasions over the approaching fortnight with the Winter Olympics operating till Feburay 20.
Whereas the likes of curling and ice hockey have already begun, a gap ceremony consisting of color, creativity and unimaginable choreography marked the official begin of the Video games.
Followers would possibly recall the Beijing 2008 Olympic opening ceremony the place 2008 drummers dazzled within the Chicken’s Nest Stadium with completely synchronized routines, however as a consequence of Covid the variety of individuals needed to be stripped again considerably this yr.
Zhang Yimou, who was praised for his work through the 2008 Summer season Video games, was once more directing the present and placed on a pyrotechnic-filled show.
Spectacular mild and laser exhibits, completely synched with unimaginable choreography from the volunteer dancers shaped the bottom of the present.
Whereas thousands and thousands tuned in to observe from around the globe, only some thousand followers had been current within the stadium and, just like the occasions on the Video games, tickets weren't offered to most of the people due to the continued pandemic.
World Cup profitable alpine skier Dave Ryding and Sochi 2014 curling bronze medallist Eve Muirhead paraded Workforce GB’s flag across the stadium and are competing at their fourth Olympics.
‘It’s very particular, I by no means thought I'd get requested and once I did, it was one of the best feeling,’ Muirhead mentioned.
‘I really feel very honoured and privileged to just accept and be one of many flag bearers.
‘It’s going to be a really particular night, getting the possibility to guide the athletes out from Nice Britain can be a second I’ll always remember.’
Ryding, who received Britain’s first gold within the alpine snowboarding World Cup final month in Kitzbuhel is aiming to medal within the slalom.
‘I believe I’m nonetheless in shock, nonetheless processing the entire thing and ensuring I don’t make a mockery of myself doing it,’ he mentioned.
‘I’ve not executed a bicep curl in about 10 years, I’m definitely no Sir Chris Hoy, doing it with one arm, I’m going to want an additional holster to again me up!
‘Immensely proud, I by no means dreamt of it, I by no means thought it might be me who could be requested to guide such an excellent nation, alongside Eve.
‘I’ve skilled alongside Eve at a health club earlier than in Stirling, and now we’re strolling out collectively at a gap ceremony.’
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