Olympics underway after Great British show

| 28/07/2012

(CNS): London 2012 opened on Friday night with a spectacular pageant which included the ‘queen’ being parachuted from James Bond’s helicopter in a glittering display of Britain’s history and popular culture by Danny Boyle. It culminated in a circle of flaming torches creating the 60ft high Olympic flame. Five-time gold medallist Sir Steve Redgrave, 50, carried the flame into the stadium after being handed it by young footballer Jade Bailey, who had received it from David Beckham.  Sir Steve carried it through a guard of honour of 500 construction workers who helped build the stadium. He then passed it to the young torchbearers. (Photos by Ron Shillingworth)

They were then joined by seven British Olympic heroes – long jumper Lynn Davies, 70, swimmer Duncan Goodhew, 55, Dame Kelly Holmes, 42, Dame Mary Peters, 73, sailor Shirley Robertson, 44, Daley Thompson, 53, and Redgrave. Muhammad Ali, was also among the flag-bearers as Sir Paul McCartney sang the event home before seven young athletes nominated by Britain's greatest Olympians lit the cauldron.

flames (300x237).jpgAthletes are competing in 19 sports Saturday with medals also due to be awarded in archery, fencing, judo, swimming and weightlifting.

Cayman’s athletes begin their Olympic bid tomorrow in the aquatic centre with both Shaune and Brett Fraser competing in the men’s 200m Freestyle Heats & Semi-Finals. Track athletes Ronald Forbes, Cydonie Mothersill and Kemar Hyman will be competing next weekend.

 

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  1. Anonymous says:

    The opening ceremony was boring….2008 Beijing was much better. No wonder I prefer Chinese food.

  2. Red Flag says:

    The Brits did themselves proud.  Great show.  Obviously, the Queen has a good sense of humor.  Really enjoyable.

  3. Anonymous says:

    It wasnt mentioned in the story but Kemar Hyman was Cayman's flagbearer.

    Not sure who the torch bearer was.

  4. Anonymous says:

    Cool show!
    But what were the 5 pyramids surrounding the stadium – I hear they were showing the Masonic 'Seeing Eyes'.

  5. Anonymous says:

    Question/s:

    Did Cayman have a torchbearer – if so who?

    Where can we see any better pics of our team – maybe from the Olympic stock photographers?

    And, Cayman people- who is YOUR favourite athlete?

    The Fraiser swimemrs / the eight-month pregnant shooter / Phelps ? Bolt ???

    My fave is Miss Ada – the young pentathlete female! (an innocent looking but wickedly talented  multi-Olympian!)

    Enjoy…