I am sure our readers are enjoying the Sochi Winter Olympics.
While the opening ceremony organizers conveniently left out certain aspects of and periods in the centuries of Russian history, heritage and folklore during the ceremony, I was impressed with what was featured in such a superb, technologically advanced choreography.
Gary Sheftick and Tim Hipps at the Army News Service give an excellent account of the “extravaganza” that featured “2.64 million luminary objects produced by 132 projectors…An aerial track on the arena roof pulled more than 80 large illuminated props across the ceiling,” in addition to what they describe as 25 lifts and 18 traps on the stadium floor enabling props and performers to transition between the ceremony’s 13 scenes, and 3000 performers, including Russian ballet stars, circus professionals, acrobats and young volunteers, wearing more than 6,000 costumes.
Of course there were some controversies, such as NBC’s regrettable editing out of IOC president Thomas Bach’s strong anti discrimination statement.
But, in my opinion, it was one of the best Olympic Games opening ceremonies I have watched. The highlight was the entrance into the Olympic stadium of the 230-men-and-women Team USA resplendent in their red-white-and-blue uniforms to the loud applause of over 40,000 spectators. Among the 230 American athletes entering Fish Olympic Stadium were ten soldiers from the U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program, six of them competing in the high-speed bobsled and luge events.
In the lead photo, we can see Army bobsledder Sgt. Dallas Robinson, center with arms upraised, and teammate Army Capt. Chris Fogt, at Robinson’s right, also with arms upraised, proudly and joyfully marching into the stadium.
Below, U.S. Army Sgt. Justen Olsen, arms upraised, a 2010 Olympic gold medalist bobsledder, helping lead Team USA into the Olympic Stadium. Olsen, a New York National Guardsman, is assigned to the Army’s World Class Athlete program.(Photo DOD)
We’ll keep you posted on their performance as their events take place,
Lead photo: U.S. Army photo by Tim Hipps
