I don’t even know where to begin with the Opening Ceremony of the Olympics. I am not kidding when I say there is little I wouldn’t have done to be in that stadium tonight.
That being said, the London 2012 Opening Ceremony was the second time in the past two months the UK has completely blown me away. The ceremony truly focused on the athletes, as it very well should have been. They have worked so hard for so long and deserve every moment of spotlight that has been thrust upon them.
My Team USA French beret is tipped off to you, Danny Boyle. Based on my Facebook and Twitter feeds, the majority of Americans were nowhere near as impressed as I was and that’s a little sad. I would like to think something like the Olympics would open more people’s eyes to the cultures across the globe, and London 2012 did a top notch job of showcasing the essence of Britain’s culture and history. Sorry, but that’s exactly what the Opening Ceremony is about in any Olympics, in any country, every single time – it’s the athletes, the host nation and the world coming together. Any good host city would do exactly what London did. Regardless of your thoughts on the historic segments, the finale.. the fireworks, the music.. that had to have gotten to you. Of course, everyone is entitled to their opinion and that just happens to be mine. So in all seriousness, no offense to all of you who hated it.
The moment I was most looking forward to certainly did not disappoint – The Queen, the corgis and the ultimate man of mystery. Daniel Craig “escorting” Her Majesty into the Opening Ceremony was amazing – Queen Elizabeth II is the best Bond girl there ever was. If any of you needed any more convincing that Queen Elizabeth II is the most bad ass 80-something around, dressed in diamonds and feathers, hanging out with Bond should have taken care of that. Maybe they enjoyed some shaken, not stirred, gin Martinis afterwards.
Although there was not much royal coverage after the opening segment, I’m totally okay with that – the night was about the athletes! Harry did look totally swoon worthy in his Union Jack themed suit and tie ensemble, Kate looked stunning in her ice blue Christopher Kane dress and William was wearing his usual navy suit and maroon tie (no surprises there at all). Aw, William and Harry..twinsies!
As far as the remainder of the Opening Ceremony goes – Team USA and Team GB’s entrances warmed my heart as much as Prince Harry’s beautiful face tends to do. The reaction that overtook the stadium as the host nation paraded in was a special moment and of course, watching Team USA march in, made in China berets and all, brought a tiny tear to my eye. Yes, I did just admit that and I’m totally okay with it.
And then…there was the torch. Um, that arrival was utterly insane. HELLO DAVID BECKHAM. David Beckham in a suit, on a speed boat, surrounded by fire.. holy hotness. I still believe he should have had a much bigger role in these Olympics, specifically as a member of the Team GB soccer squad..but I’ll take Becks where I can get him.
Oh, and it goes without saying that the torch procession, cauldron lighting and Sir Paul McCartney were all INCREDIBLE. McCartney, Hey Jude.. C’MON!
I don’t think there is much left to say other than..JOB WELL DONE LONDON! You have once again proved that you know how to throw one heck of a ceremony.
Now that London has done an excellent job opening the London 2012 Summer Olympics, my attention turn to Team USA. For as much as I go one about my love for Britain, America is home. Bring back that hardware Team USA!
As Matt Lauer said, Does WOW even suffice? Thanks for a great night, London! GO USA!
All images courtesy of London 2012 and personal screen grabs.
Keep Calm and Harry On 