Olympics Return to Greece in Lavish Event

AP ^ | 8-13-04

[TexKat]

ATHENS, Greece - The Olympics returned home Friday, offering the world an epic welcome with an opening ceremony invoking Greek mythology, civilization and culture before 72,000 fans assembled to greet the world's greatest athletes at the site of the games' 19th-century rebirth.

As cameras flashed in the stands at dusk, a countdown video ran on the screen at the recently completed Olympic Stadium — 28 seconds, one for each of the games since the 1896 event here in Athens, accompanied by the amplified sound of a human heartbeat.

The audience loudly counted down with the video screen. Then, with a blast of fireworks around the stadium roof, the ceremony was under way. Minutes later, the five Olympic rings were ablaze in fire in the middle of a manmade "sea" in the middle of the stadium.

The extravaganza kicking off the games was a victory for Greek organizers, who managed to pull together the 2004 Games despite serious construction delays, worldwide skepticism and terrorist fears.

An International Olympic Committee member who helped oversee the preparations noted how much was at stake.

"I think you have saved Greece and saved the IOC from great humiliation," Alex Gilady told Athens organizers.

But the pride and relief of Greek organizers was tempered by a doping scandal that could threaten the country's biggest track stars.

Under a new weblike stadium canopy — finally bolted into place only last month — the modern heirs of the Olympics hope to make the world forget the bumpy road to the opening ceremony and reset the clock to begin ticking down 16 days of competition.

Not surprisingly, Greek mythology plays a central role in the extravaganza to officially begin the Olympiad. What's startling, however, is that the round-the-clock work blitz — under broiling sun and blinding spotlights — managed to accomplish what many considered out of reach: pulling together the vast network of venues, transport links, villages and security needed for the athletes and heads of state at the first Summer Games since the Sept. 11 attacks.

But things are just getting started.

A doping investigation has snared Greek heroes from the Sydney Games: 200-meter champion Kostas Kenteris and 100-meter silver medalist Katerina Thanou.

Kenteris had been considered the favorite to light the Olympic cauldron. Instead, he and Thanou were hospitalized with minor injuries following a motorcycle wreck. The accident came after the two were accused of evading a drug test, and they might miss the games.

Greek taxpayers also are starting to tally up the worrying bill. Officials say the games will exceed $7.2 billion, and some analysts say it could hit a staggering $12 billion, including a record $1.5 billion for security.

The big-budget show promises to run from reverent tradition to Las Vegas-style pageantry.

At its start, hundreds of drummers marched into the stadium, pounding to the rhythm of a heartbeat. A boy on a replica of a ship then sailed into the arena, waving a small Greek flag.

In another segment, a centaur — the mythological half man, half horse — tosses a javelin that begins the rise of a statue representing an ancient form from Greece's Cyclades islands. The form breaks apart to reveal other figures from Greek history.

The ancient god of love, Eros, flies above two lovers dancing and playing in the water.

Spectators will participate in the main ceremony by clapping and using flashlights and bells when signaled, according to people who saw the rehearsals.

The Icelandic singer Bjork was one of the night's headliners.

The main part of the ceremony is "an allegoric journey of the evolution of human consciousness ... from the mythological perception of the world to the logical," said Dimitri Papaioannou, the concept creator of the ceremony.

The parade of nations also will have a distinct Athens stamp.

Greece, because of its links to the ancient games, will enter first, as usual. But, as the host nation, Greek athletes will also be the last into the stadium in the biggest procession in Olympic history.

Among the 10,500 athletes under 202 flags: the debut appearance of competitors from the sprinkling of Pacific atolls known as Kiribati, and the return of Afghanistan (news - web sites) after an eight-year absence, with Afghan women for the first time.

"So here we are. Little Greece is just a breath away from the miracle," wrote columnist Giorgos Karelias in the Eleftherotypia newspaper. "Here is little Greece that — after being stabbed in the back by supposed well-wishers or simply the uninformed — has gone to receiving praise at the 11th hour."

But Greece is lapping it up.

All along, Greek officials continually described the Olympics as a way to shed the country's reputation as a parochial and unruly corner of the European Union. The transport minister even said drivers' respect for Olympic lanes shows Greece can be "civilized."

The Olympic deadlines have forced projects long taken for granted in other European capitals: highways around city centers, a serious subway and rail network and efforts to preserve architectural landmarks.

"No country has been more underrated than Greece," said the chief organizer, Gianna Angelopoulos-Dasalaki.

[TexKat]

A performer representing a Greek religious figure of ancient Greece takes part in the opening ceremony of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games (news - web sites) August 13, 2004. A spectacular opening ceremony launched the Athens Olympics on Friday, lifting spirits in the Games' ancient birthplace. REUTERS/Wolfgang Rattay

A performer holds masks which represent classic theatre of ancient Greece during the opening ceremony of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games August 13, 2004. A spectacular opening ceremony launched the Athens Olympics on Friday, lifting spirits in the Games' ancient birthplace after the host nation was rocked by a drugs drama involving its two top sprinters. REUTERS/Wolfgang Rattay

A performer posing as Eros descends on other performers during the Opening Ceremony of the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Friday Aug. 13, 2004. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)

The U.S. delegation, lead by flag bearer Dawn Staley, enters the Olympic Stadium during the opening ceremony of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games August 13, 2004. The games were opened in a spectacular ceremony in their historic birthplace amid controversy over two Greek athletes who missed a scheduled drug test. REUTERS/Wolfgang Rattay

Dawn Staley of the U.S. holds the U.S. national flag during the opening ceremony of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games August 13, 2004. A spectacular opening ceremony launched the Athens Olympics on Friday, lifting spirits in the Games' ancient birthplace after the host nation was rocked by a drugs drama involving its two top sprinters. REUTERS/Mike Blake

[eleni121]

Cyprus gets lots of applause...that's understandable given the millenia old relationship between Greece and Cyprus...same culture essentially.

[eleni121]

The official US outfits are striking...made by a Canadian firm.

[TexKat]

I have no idea what time it airs. I am at work, cubicle bound. LOL.

[TexKat]

Oooh, Janet Ms. Nasty Jackson is gonna be mad at you girl.

An artist symbolising ancient Greece performs during the opening ceremony of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games August 13, 2004. REUTERS/Jerry Lampen

[xp38]

One of Canada's best-known clothing retailers, Roots Canada, was founded by Don Green and Michael Budman - both of whom were born in Detroit.

[eleni121]

At least they had the scruples to keep the privates respectfully covered up...thanks to Archbishop Christodoulos.

He can't do anything about those Greek beaches though...

[eleni121]

That's different...Americans going to Canada to make it in business...it's usually the other way around.

[TexKat]

A woman representing the Goddess of Fertility (C) performs during the opening ceremony of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games August 13, 2004. A spectacular opening ceremony launched the Athens Olympics on Friday, lifting spirits in the Games' ancient birthplace after the host nation was rocked by a drugs drama involving its two top sprinters. REUTERS/Jerry Lampen

Members of the Iraqi delegation wave during the Opening Ceremony of the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Friday, Aug. 13, 2004.(AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

An artist symbolising ancient Greece performs during the opening ceremony of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games August 13, 2004. REUTERS/Adrees Latif

Spain's Isabel Fernandez carries her country's flag during Olympic teams parade at the opening ceremony of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games August 13, 2004. A spectacular opening ceremony launched the Athens Olympics on Friday, lifting spirits in the Games' ancient birthplace. REUTERS/Mike Blake

U.S. basketball player Allen Iverson (news) (bottom) smiles as he takes part in the opening ceremony of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games August 13, 2004. A spectacular opening ceremony launched the Athens Olympics on Friday, lifting spirits in the Games' ancient birthplace. REUTERS/Mike Blake

Switzerland's Roger Federer (news) holds Switzerland's national flag during the opening ceremony of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games August 13, 2004. A spectacular opening ceremony launched the Athens Olympics on Friday, lifting spirits in the Games' ancient birthplace. REUTERS/Mike Blake

U.S. athletes enter the stadium during the Opening Ceremony of the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Friday Aug. 13, 2004. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

[Lijahsbubbe]

In another segment, a centaur — the mythological half man, half horse

John Kerry - LOL!

[xp38]

Not 100% sure but I think they sold Roots to US interests so it's a roundabout American firm now.

[eleni121]

In another segment, a centaur — the mythological half man, half horse

And which half I won't even try to guess.

[eleni121]

The Poles are coming in...and look mahvelous!

[eleni121]

The Russians come in also wearing berets - what's with the berets this year? - and get major applause.

[TexKat]

Hadir Lazame carries the flag of Iraq during opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games Friday, Aug. 13, 2004 in Athens, Greece. (AP Photo/Laurent Rebours)

Germany's Olympic team follow their national flag bearer Ludger Beerbaum during the opening ceremony of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games August 13, 2004. A spectacular opening ceremony launched the Athens Olympics on Friday, lifting spirits in the Games' ancient birthplace. REUTERS/Wolfgang Rattay

Members of the delegation from the United States wave during the Opening Ceremony of the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Friday, Aug. 13, 2004.(AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

Brazil's Olympic team parade during the opening ceremony of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games August 13, 2004. A spectacular opening ceremony launched the Athens Olympics on Friday, lifting spirits in the Games' ancient birthplace after the host nation was rocked by a drugs drama involving its two top sprinters. REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach

Argenina's Carlos Espinola leads his country's Olympic team during the opening ceremony of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games August 13, 2004. A spectacular opening ceremony launched the Athens Olympics on Friday, lifting spirits in the Games' ancient birthplace. REUTERS/Mike Blake

A member of the Australian delegation holds a sign during the Opening Ceremony of the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Friday, Aug. 13, 2004.(AP Photo/Amy Sancetta

A performer stands in a pool of water during the Opening Ceremony of the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Friday Aug. 13, 2004. (AP Photo/Rusty Kennedy)

An Australian athlete gestures during the opening ceremony of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, August 13, 2004. A spectacular opening ceremony launched the Athens Olympics on Friday, lifting spirits in the Games' ancient birthplace after the host nation was rocked by a drugs drama involving its two top sprinters. REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach

Performers symbolising ancient Greece, wave to spectators during the opening ceremony of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games (news - web sites) August 13, 2004. A spectacular opening ceremony launched the Athens Olympics on Friday, lifting spirits in the Games' ancient birthplace after the host nation was rocked by a drugs drama involving its two top sprinters. REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach

Performers dressed as ancient Greek athletes pose during the Opening Ceremony of the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Friday, Aug. 13, 2004. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)

Two men make their way to their seats for the opening ceremonies of the 2004 Summer Olympics (news - web sites) in Athens, Greece, Friday, August 13, 2004. (AP Photo/Adrian Wyld)

Members of Japan's Olympic team parade during the opening ceremony of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games August 13, 2004. A spectacular opening ceremony launched the Athens Olympics on Friday, lifting spirits in the Games' ancient birthplace after the host nation was rocked by a drugs drama involving its two top sprinters. REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach

The U.S. delegation marches into the Olympic Stadium during the opening ceremony of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games August 13, 2004. The games were opened in a spectacular ceremony in their historic birthplace amid controversy over two Greek athletes who missed a scheduled drug test. REUTERS/Wolfgang Rattay

[TexKat]

John Kerry - LOL!

I thought that just maybe we could have at least one thread where he nor his name was imposed.

[eleni121]

From the following:

http://www.richeast.org/htwm/Olympics/olympics.html


How they ended

The collapse of the ancient Olympics actually began before the Romans invaded Greece. A wave of interest in books and the arts swept through Greece turning the attention of the youth away from sports and honor. According to Paleologos (1976), the famous philosopher Socrates was charges with corrupting the youth because his teachings made them stray from athletics.

When the Romans conquered Greece, they turned stadiums into amphitheaters (Paleologos, 1976) and replaced athletes with slaves who were forced to fight against wild beasts. While this new form of "sport" was enjoyed by the commoners and Roman soldiers, it took away from the ceremonial honor that the Olympics represented.

Early Christians were against the Olympics because they were a celebration for the Roman gods. One of the first Christian emperors of Rome, Theodosius the Great, discontinued the Games indefinitely in 394 A.D., after 320 Olympiads and after about 1200 years (Henry and Yeomans, 1984) of competition to honor the gods.

[eleni121]

One thing I gotta say...we complain about the talking heads in the US but the CBC announcers are absolutely amateurish...mispronouncing words and names and passing off info as true when it is clearly wrong.

[eleni121]

And here comes Greece..the ones who started it all.

They look wonderful! Now if they can only stop taking drugs.

The new PM Karamanlis (conservative finally) is marching with the team.

[xp38]

Greece finally arrives ending the parade of nation...on to the anthems, pledge of the athletes,raising of the Olympic Flag and Hymn and lighting of the flame. I imagine some more singing and pageantry too.