INSPIRATION
The refugee team was led out by flagbearer Rose Nathike Lokonyen, who left South Sudan with her family and arrived in Kenya's Kakuma refugee camp in 2002, where she used to train in bare feet. Read more about her story here.
Also amongst the group is Yusra Mardini, the 18-year-old who helped to save the lives of 20 of her fellow refugees when their boat started to sink whilst crossing between Turkey and Greece.
Read more here.
NOT A DRY EYE IN THE HOUSE
This is truly special moment as the first-ever Refugee Olympic Team enters Maracana.
They are five runners from South Sudan, two swimmers from Syria, two judokas from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and a marathon runner from Ethiopia.
These athletes, who have been training with their host countries — in some cases where they sought asylum — are now being provided a full support group to compete at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
Cheer them every step of the way. Their journey has been long and difficult.
Read their message of hope.
CLOAKED IN MAORI POWER AND PRIDE
New Zealand cloaks itself in the power of a kakahu during the opening ceremony. The Maori garment, said one of the New Zealand flag-bearers Peter Burling, carries team pride and history.
"It's pretty special to be wearing that with all the past flagbearers that have worn it before. It just brings the mana of everyone that's gone in this team before," said the sailor.
NUMBER CRUNCHER 2
Who are the biggest and smallest nations at the Rio 2016 Games?
More on those funky bikes... they were created by designers Pedro Garavaglia and Olivia Ferreira of the Radiográfico design studio in Rio, with the help of Carnival artist Rossy Amoêdo. Check out this video about how they were made...
TRESSES TO IMPRESS
Jamaica flag-bearer Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce could become the first athlete to win three Olympic gold medals in the 100m event. Her compatriot, Usain Bolt, would follower in her footsteps if he accomplishes the same feat.
For the occasion, the sprinter went for locks to match her flag.
"I got my hair dyed green and yellow for the team," she said before walking into Maracana. "My friend in Miami did it and it took about three hours."
THE INCLUSION GAMES
The Rio 2016 Games are all about inclusion, and five of the colourful cyclists (see post at 9.58pm) are transgender women. One of them, Lea T, is one of Brazil’s top models and the daughter of the former Brazil football player Toninho Cerezo. "It’s essential that diversity is present," she said.
(A SECRET BETWEEN US)
Here at Rio2016-dot-com headquarters, we'll reveal a little secret...
Portugal has so far drawn the largest cheers from the international staff in our newsroom. (The one Canadian did her best, Rosie, I promise!)
We'll report back when Brazil enters Maracana, which they will be the last to do as the host country.
KELMENDI'S DREAM COME TRUE
A special moment for the athletes and people of Kosovo, as it competes for the first time at the Olympic Games under its own flag. The athletes competed under the flag of Albania at London 2012. Flag bearer and judoka, who is a favourite for gold, Majlinda Kelmendi explains the significance.
"I have dreamed of that for such a long time, for so many years," said Kelmendi. "It is a historical moment for my country and for me. It is very motivating for me.
"It is completely different from London. Albania is Albania, Kosovo is Kosovo. Of course, we are the same people and speak the same language, but we are two different countries.
"It is a very special moment, especially for the older generation in Kosovo. They have survived wars, they went through such hard times and what is happening today has been a dream for a long time for all people in Kosovo."
A FIRST NO ONE WANTS
Ireland boxer and flag-bearer Patrick Barnes was given some choice words before making his appearance.
"The main piece of advice I've had is not to drop it," he said while still in the tunnel.
It's not like flag-bearers get a lot of practise doing what is, often by defnition, a once-in-a-life-time honour. Still, letting a flag drop is not a distinction anyone wants.
He added, "I don't think anyone's dropped the flag and I don't want to be the first."
TALL AND TAN AND YOUNG AND LOVELY
Gisele wore a floor-length gown designed by Alexandre Herchcovitch.
BICYCLE GANG
The colourful tricycles you can see leading the delegations around were conceived by the Radiográfico studio and hand-made by Rio Carnival artist Rossy Amoedo. It took him more than two months. “Each bike was put together one by one. Attaching them, gluing, welding,” he said.
POKEMON D'OH
In a moment of unwanted internet fame and an even less wanted data roaming bill, Japan flag-bearer Kiesuke Ushiro revealed to a newspaper that he racked up nearly US$5,000 playing Pokemon Go on his mobile phone.
But let's move on, shall we.
Ushiro is a six-time world champion who has unparalleled success in Olympic men's gymnastics.
WHERE CAN I BUY THAT HAT?
Cyclist Erika Olivera carries Chile's flag into the stadium wearing one of the most strikingly beautiful outfits we'll see tonight.
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