Memorable moments from past Olympic opening ceremonies
Muhammad Ali, the Queen and Cathy Freeman made big impressions
By Matthew Cullen, CBC Sports
The opening ceremony is one of the most-watched Olympic events around the globe. Ahead of Rio's big show on Friday night (CBC's television and digital coverage begins at 6:30 p.m. ET), here's a look back at some of the most memorable moments from past Olympic Games opening ceremonies.
Muhammad Ali lights up Atlanta
Without a doubt the best-kept secret of the 1996 centennial Games, "The Greatest" appeared as the final Olympic torch-bearer at the opening ceremony in Atlanta. Suffering from advanced symptoms of Parkinson's disease, Ali shocked the world by lighting the Olympic cauldron. A 1960 Olympic gold medallist, Ali's appearance was a massive surprise. In order to keep it a secret, organizers reportedly rehearsed the ceremony during the middle of the night using only flashlights.
Cathy Freeman makes statement in Sydney
One of the central figures of the 2000 Games, Cathy Freeman lit the cauldron in a spectacular opening ceremony. On top of the breathtaking scene featuring the sprinter in a ring of fire, the Aboriginal athlete's role as torch-bearer was quite symbolic. A bold political statement at the time, the decision to choose Freeman was an effort to heal Australia's controversial relationship with its Aboriginal population. To complete the fairy-tale ending, Freeman went on to win gold in the 400-metre sprint later in the Games.
James Bond, Queen stun London
The London 2012 opening ceremony organizers had some fun creating a clever James Bond-themed skit which featured 007 (played by Daniel Craig) and Queen Elizabeth parachuting from a helicopter into the Olympic Stadium. Although we highly suspect the use of stunt doubles, the Queen's appearance at the opening ceremony is still one of the most memorable of all time.
Flame-shooting archer wows Barcelona
In 1992, the pressure was all on Antonio Rebollo. The Paralympic archer was assigned the task of igniting the Olympic cauldron just hours before the opening ceremony. But instead of the traditional format, organizers had Rebello launch a flaming arrow through the Barcelona sky towards the cauldron. With the world watching, the Spaniard came up clutch in one of the most iconic moments in Olympic history.
Futuristic spaceman ignites L.A.
Surrounded in controversy with the Soviet Union's boycott of the 1984 Games, the U.S. responded by giving the world a glimpse of the future when a jetpack-powered spaceman flew across the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to open the Olympics. Demonstrating impressive control, rocketman Bill Suitor sent the crowd into a frenzy by making a perfect landing.
Drummers, fireworks amaze Beijing
Widely considered one of the most impressive opening ceremonies ever, the Beijing organizers didn't hold back on China's love for fireworks. Equally as impressive, 2,008 drummers pulled off an impressive routine in perfect unison to open the 2008 Games.