The Torch is Lit: Olympic Opening Ceremony

By Cristin O’Connell

Staff Reporter

Held in Pyeongchang County, South Korea, the 23rd Olympic Winter Games commenced on Friday, Feb. 9.

The ceremony kicked off with a firework show and ended with the lighting of the cauldron.

There are over 2,900 athletes from 92 countries competing this year, which makes it the biggest Olympic Games in history.

Team USA came into the stadium waving the American flag high and proud with Vice President of the U.S., Mike Pence, supporting in the audience.

All of the members were wearing red, white and blue Ralph Lauren winter bomber jackets with a sweater underneath, honey colored gloves, blue jeans and a blue USA winter beanie.

“I really liked Team USA’s jacket a lot. They seem very warm and I feel like Ralph Lauren makes really good winter coats, so [I] would definitely purchase a jacket like that for when I go skiing,” said senior Chantal Benavidez. “The only thing I did not like was the cowboy gloves that they had on. It was a huge no-no in my opinion.”

Competitors from Bermuda only wore red scarves, blazers, and red Bermuda shorts that hit right above the knee with knee-high socks. The temperature was 28 degrees, but they seem unbothered in the freezing temperatures.

North and South Korea walked out together under the same flag for the first time since 2006. Many audience members and viewers from home believed that it symbolized peace and unity–especially since their jackets were white.

The first-ever Nigerian bobsled team made history at the opening ceremony. They walked into the stadium wearing all green and white; wearing long white coats that almost resembled a tuxedo, but tied together in the middle like a robe.

“The women in Nigeria looked so beautiful in their outfits, they looked so strong and fierce. I felt like they really pulled off those outfits. Personally I don’t think I would wear them,” said senior Britta Nordstrom. “I think their look really represented their culture and everyone was able to see that they represented Nigeria.”

Flag bearer for Tonga, Pita Taufatofua, came out oiled up and shirtless; only wearing a necklace and a traditional Tepenu ceremonial dress.

They weren’t the only fans escorted out. Another audience member slid down the ice chute, walked up to a performer singing a Korean folk song, and then walked up to the dancers before being wrestled away by security.

Colombian competitors wore black hats with yellow and orange stripes around it, blue jackets, a cream color ponchos, and black pants.

“Seeing Colombia walk out in a poncho was definitely different from all the other countries. I have a poncho myself so I have worn something similar to their outfits,” said senior Heather Markert. “But other than that, Team USA will always kill it.”

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