Opening Ceremony in London Begins 2012 Summer Olympics

Oscar-winning director Danny Boyle lit up the night sky in London at the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 Summer Olympics. (Morry Gash)

As the crowd eagerly awaited, the countdown for the 2012 Summer Olympics began. Children popped balloons from ten to one. Then, one of the nation's biggest sports heroes, Bradley Wiggins, walked across the stage. As the first Brit to win the Tour de France, he sported the yellow winner's jersey as he rang a 23-ton Olympic Bell that was produced from the same foundry that made Big Ben and the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia. Thus, began the Opening Ceremony to give tribute to the British Isles.

The ceremony was to be the masterwork of Danny Boyle. Boyle is one of Britain's most successful filmmakers. He began to dream big and got many people involved. He organized 15,000 volunteers to take part in the show. He also convinced Queen Elizabeth II to partake in a scene with James Bond, where it appeared as though the two skydived into the stadium. Mr. Bean brought some humor to the show. The rest of the show highlighted the decade-by-decade history of the British Isles in a cultural, technological, and musical journey.

Seven teenage athletes were chosen for the illustrious honor of igniting the Olympic cauldron. The flames rose and fireworks shot off. The crowd joined in singing "Hey Jude" as the long night came to the close. Lasting about three hours and forty-five minutes, the ceremony had finally came to fruition. Most of the 10,500 athletes had marched representing 204 countries. This is just the beginning of a special 17 days for these athletes, the city of London, and people around the world, longing to cheer their country to victory. It is exciting to think that we are just getting under way.