The opening ceremony for the 2014 Winter Olympics kicked off in Sochi’s Fisht Olympic Stadium on Friday, but not without a fair share of awkward moments, including a major lighting malfunction, a fallen athlete, and at least one stray dog that evaded the pre-games sweep to eradicate them.
Before this year’s competitors strutted through packed stadium in alphabetical order of the country they’re representing, the Olympic rings descended from above — first as snowflakes — before each flake began to unfold into one of the games’ signature symbols. The impressive lighting display hit a snag, however, when one ring failed to complete its metamorphosis — a technical error that made the display a little cockeyed.
#Olympic ring malfunction. Via @mashable liveblog. http://t.co/keKtfvUhHs pic.twitter.com/doOmJ1NjLf
— Jim Roberts (@nycjim) February 7, 2014
Also read: From Broadway’s ‘Spider-Man’ to Sochi – Olympics Choreographer Teases Opening Ceremony
Sochi isn’t just hosting the Olympics, either. The Russian city is home to thousands of stray dogs, and despite authorities reportedly trying to kill them, one made it through security to watch the show.
Stray dog sighted at #Sochi #Openingceremony. Apparently eluded exterminators. http://t.co/keKtfvUhHs pic.twitter.com/rwdJMR6yUR
— Jim Roberts (@nycjim) February 7, 2014
While waving to the crowd, a member of Austria’s delegation took a tumble, even though it’s not entirely clear what was in his path that tripped him. (According to reports, nothing.)
Austria will never live this down (Photo: Getty) http://t.co/fGXV1LAtc3 #Sochi pic.twitter.com/Lo7Io98tbX
— GuardianUS (@GuardianUS) February 7, 2014
Another Lady Gaga impersonator leads competitors from the island of misfit athletes who owe allegiance to no one.
Lonely Olympians are lonely 🙁 #OpeningCeremony pic.twitter.com/WJtykYn0a4
— Sam Laird (@samcmlaird) February 7, 2014
Giant cartoon-like animals threatened the audience with questionable cuteness.
Germany is denying that their athletes’ rainbow bright outfits are making a statement about Russia’s anti-gay laws. So they either wanted to look ridiculous for the hell of it, or are part the growing movement to introduce tie-dye to the 21st century.
Germany’s rainbow outfits are interpreted by some as silent criticism of Russia’s anti-gay laws – Germany denies this pic.twitter.com/KIFfnGf46i
— BBC World Service (@bbcworldservice) February 7, 2014