Spectacular fireworks 🎇 Samba singalong 💃 Light shows 😍 Watch highlights of the Rio 2016 Opening Ceremony from the Maracanã Stadium! 🇧🇷 The perfect opening for an unforgettable Olympic Games. 🙌 | Olympics

Israeli athletes said prior to the opening ceremony they were prepared for a potentially hostile reception following the war against Hamas in Gaza. “I’m prepared, they can do whatever they want,” Israeli skier Barnabas Szollos said ahead of the opening ceremony. “I just want to have a good race, fun race and do the best I can,” he said. Israel has sent nine Olympians and one Paralympian to the Games. Like at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, security is of top concern for Israel’s delegation. Lear