This was published 12 years ago
Glitch, cover-up tarnish Opening Ceremony
But for all the patriotism, organisers were dealt a massive blow as the lighting of the five Olympic Rings overshadowed the singing of the Russian national anthem.
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Sochi's new Olympic Stadium was a carnival of lights and fireworks as Russia launched the 2014 Winter Olympics with an Opening Ceremony that had an embarrassing hiccup and appeared partly-inspired by Australia's own Opening Ceremony in 2000. (Getty Images)
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The theme of the event was "Dreams of Russia", with a young girl named Lyubov (love) guiding spectators through thousands of years of Russian history. The scene was reminiscent of Nikki Webster's starring role in Sydney 14 years ago.
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The opening ceremony on the edge of the Black Sea and subsequent games are Russia's chance to tell its story of post-Soviet resurrection to the world, and dispel the anger, fear and suspicion that has marred the build-up to these most expensive Olympics ever.
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For the next two weeks, it certainly is for the 3000 athletes who will compete in 98 events, more people and contests than ever at the Winter Games.
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Just after the sun set over the Caucasus Mountains and along the seashore just outside Fisht Stadium in the wet-paint-fresh Olympic Park, Russian TV star Yana Churikova shouted to a crowd still taking their seats: "Welcome to the centre of the universe!"
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The ceremony was crafted as a celebration of Russia and presented Putin's vision.
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The message was clear, that Russia is a country with a rich and complex history emerging confidently from a rocky two decades and now capable of putting on a major international sports event.
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The official ceremony opened with the Russian alphabet projected on the stadium floor, as a young girl told the story of her country's heroes and their globally renowned achievements.
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And then there were dedications to writers Tolstoy, Pushkin and Chekhov; Mendeleev and his periodic table; the first spaceship Sputnik and Russia's space stations.
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