The countdown to the start of the opening ceremony is projected across the stands while the Royal Air Force aerobatic team, the Red Arrows, flies over the Olympic Stadium. The opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games was held on Friday, July 27. Check out photos from the<a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2012%2F08%2F12%2Fworld%2Fgallery%2Folympic-closing-ceremony%2Findex.html" target="_blank"> closing ceremony.</a>
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
The countdown to the start of the opening ceremony is projected across the stands while the Royal Air Force aerobatic team, the Red Arrows, flies over the Olympic Stadium. The opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games was held on Friday, July 27. Check out photos from the closing ceremony.
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Spectators take shelter under umbrellas prior to the start of the opening ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Spectators take shelter under umbrellas prior to the start of the opening ceremony.
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A man wearing glasses waits for the start of the opening ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
A man wearing glasses waits for the start of the opening ceremony.
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A balloon flies over spectators prior to the opening ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
A balloon flies over spectators prior to the opening ceremony.
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Spectators wait under the rain before the ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Spectators wait under the rain before the ceremony.
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The Red Arrows fly over Olympic Stadium before the opening ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
The Red Arrows fly over Olympic Stadium before the opening ceremony.
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A robotic camera captures an overview of the Olympic Stadium at the start of the London 2012 Opening Ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
A robotic camera captures an overview of the Olympic Stadium at the start of the London 2012 Opening Ceremony.
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Performers prepare for the opening ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Performers prepare for the opening ceremony.
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The Red Arrows fly over the Olympic Stadium and the ArcelorMittal Orbit Tower.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
The Red Arrows fly over the Olympic Stadium and the ArcelorMittal Orbit Tower.
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Danny Boyle, the London 2012 artistic director, addresses the audience.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Danny Boyle, the London 2012 artistic director, addresses the audience.
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The Red Arrows disappear over London ahead of the opening ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
The Red Arrows disappear over London ahead of the opening ceremony.
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Bradley Wiggins, the first British winner of the Tour De France cycle race, waves to the audience.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Bradley Wiggins, the first British winner of the Tour De France cycle race, waves to the audience.
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A young performer holds a balloon bearing the Olympic rings.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
A young performer holds a balloon bearing the Olympic rings.
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A young performer holds a balloon.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
A young performer holds a balloon.
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Artists take the field for the meadow scene.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Artists take the field for the meadow scene.
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Artists arrive before the start of the opening ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Artists arrive before the start of the opening ceremony.
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Fans take photos as cows are lead across the stadium floor.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Fans take photos as cows are lead across the stadium floor.
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Artists arrive in a horse and carriage.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Artists arrive in a horse and carriage.
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Actors perform during the British meadow scene.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Actors perform during the British meadow scene.
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Performers depict a view of the English countryside.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Performers depict a view of the English countryside.
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Performers depict a view of the English countryside.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Performers depict a view of the English countryside.
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Cricketers play on the pitch during the preshow.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Cricketers play on the pitch during the preshow.
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Actors perform during the British meadow scene.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Actors perform during the British meadow scene.
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The London Symphony Orchestra performs during the opening ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
The London Symphony Orchestra performs during the opening ceremony.
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Artists perform during the opening ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Artists perform during the opening ceremony.
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Artists perform during the opening ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Artists perform during the opening ceremony.
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A general view of the inside of the stadium during the opening ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
A general view of the inside of the stadium during the opening ceremony.
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Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, at the start of the London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, at the start of the London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony.
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General view taken during a scene of The Age of Industry.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
General view taken during a scene of The Age of Industry.
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Huge chimneys emerge from the ground to symbolize the industrial revolution.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Huge chimneys emerge from the ground to symbolize the industrial revolution.
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An inflatable yellow submarine floats above artists.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
An inflatable yellow submarine floats above artists.
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Inflatable yellow submarines float above artists during The Age of Industry scene.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Inflatable yellow submarines float above artists during The Age of Industry scene.
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Spectators watch the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Spectators watch the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games.
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Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, attends the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games on Friday.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, attends the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games on Friday.
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A general view of Olympic Stadium during the opening ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
A general view of Olympic Stadium during the opening ceremony.
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Actors perform during the British meadow scene during the opening ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Actors perform during the British meadow scene during the opening ceremony.
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Kenneth Branagh performs as Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Kenneth Branagh performs as Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
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Artists perform as the sun sets in the background.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Artists perform as the sun sets in the background.
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The sun sets behind performers.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
The sun sets behind performers.
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Drummers dressed in period garb perform during the opening ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Drummers dressed in period garb perform during the opening ceremony.
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Performers drum during the Opening Ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Performers drum during the Opening Ceremony.
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Artists perform during the opening ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Artists perform during the opening ceremony.
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Drummers during the opening ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Drummers during the opening ceremony.
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Actors perform during the industrial revolution scene.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Actors perform during the industrial revolution scene.
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A general view of the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
A general view of the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games.
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The Olympic rings form.
opening ceremonies 28 —
The Olympic rings form.
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Artists perform during the opening ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Artists perform during the opening ceremony.
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The Olympic rings are assembled above the stadium in a scene depicting the Industrial Revolution.
Olympics: Opening ceremonyv —
The Olympic rings are assembled above the stadium in a scene depicting the Industrial Revolution.
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Freshly "forged" Olympic Rings fly above the chimneys during The Age of Industry scene.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Freshly "forged" Olympic Rings fly above the chimneys during The Age of Industry scene.
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Olympic rings are assembled.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Olympic rings are assembled.
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An actor dressed to resemble Britain's Queen Elizabeth II parachutes into the stadium.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
An actor dressed to resemble Britain's Queen Elizabeth II parachutes into the stadium.
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People wave Union flags during the opening ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
People wave Union flags during the opening ceremony.
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Artists dressed in costumes perform.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Artists dressed in costumes perform.
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Performers with jetpacks take part in the opening ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Performers with jetpacks take part in the opening ceremony.
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An actor dressed to resemble Britain's Queen Elizabeth II parachutes into the stadium during the opening ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
An actor dressed to resemble Britain's Queen Elizabeth II parachutes into the stadium during the opening ceremony.
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Queen Elizabeth II, right, and Jacques Rogge, president of the International Olympic Committee, attend the ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Queen Elizabeth II, right, and Jacques Rogge, president of the International Olympic Committee, attend the ceremony.
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Actors and dancers play Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital staff and patients.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Actors and dancers play Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital staff and patients.
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Performers from the GOSH, Great Ormond Street Hospital, perform during the opening ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Performers from the GOSH, Great Ormond Street Hospital, perform during the opening ceremony.
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An artist flies over children and nurses during the Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital scene.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
An artist flies over children and nurses during the Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital scene.
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Actors perform during the opening ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Actors perform during the opening ceremony.
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Dancers perform in the GOSH and NHS scene.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Dancers perform in the GOSH and NHS scene.
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Children perform a song.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Children perform a song.
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Giant puppets depicting Lord Voldemort, center, from the Harry Potter books and the Child Catcher from "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" swirl around the stage in the opening ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Giant puppets depicting Lord Voldemort, center, from the Harry Potter books and the Child Catcher from "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" swirl around the stage in the opening ceremony.
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Lord Voldemort looms over the opening ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Lord Voldemort looms over the opening ceremony.
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Spectators wearing 3-D glasses during the opening ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Spectators wearing 3-D glasses during the opening ceremony.
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An artist performs during the opening ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
An artist performs during the opening ceremony.
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General view taken as actors perform during the opening ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
General view taken as actors perform during the opening ceremony.
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Giant pictures depicting villains of British literature, including Captain Hook from "Peter Pan," are displayed during the opening ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Giant pictures depicting villains of British literature, including Captain Hook from "Peter Pan," are displayed during the opening ceremony.
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An actor dressed as Mary Poppins performs in the GOSH and NHS scene.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
An actor dressed as Mary Poppins performs in the GOSH and NHS scene.
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Performers float with umbrellas as they play the role of Mary Poppins.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Performers float with umbrellas as they play the role of Mary Poppins.
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General view taken as actors perform during the opening ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
General view taken as actors perform during the opening ceremony.
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Dancers perform during the opening ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Dancers perform during the opening ceremony.
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British actor Rowan Atkinson in his role as Mr. Bean plays in the orchestra.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
British actor Rowan Atkinson in his role as Mr. Bean plays in the orchestra.
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A broad view of the opening ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
A broad view of the opening ceremony.
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Performers dance to British music spanning the decades.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Performers dance to British music spanning the decades.
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A general view of the opening ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
A general view of the opening ceremony.
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Artists perform during the opening ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Artists perform during the opening ceremony.
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An artist performs with a glowing pacifier during the opening ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
An artist performs with a glowing pacifier during the opening ceremony.
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A performer in a giant ball is passed around during the opening ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
A performer in a giant ball is passed around during the opening ceremony.
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Dancers perform under a "setting sun" in a scene dramatizing the struggle between life and death.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Dancers perform under a "setting sun" in a scene dramatizing the struggle between life and death.
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General view of performers during the opening ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
General view of performers during the opening ceremony.
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Dancers perform in a scene dramatizing the struggle between life and death.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Dancers perform in a scene dramatizing the struggle between life and death.
AFP/Getty Images
Artists perform during the opening ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Artists perform during the opening ceremony.
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Performers dance during the opening ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Performers dance during the opening ceremony.
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Artists perform during the opening ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Artists perform during the opening ceremony.
AFP/Getty Images
Artists perform during the opening ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Artists perform during the opening ceremony.
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A parachutist lands outside the Olympic Stadium.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
A parachutist lands outside the Olympic Stadium.
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Artists wearing wings and riding bicylces perform during the ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Artists wearing wings and riding bicylces perform during the ceremony.
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The Olympic stadium lit up in red and blue during the opening ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
The Olympic stadium lit up in red and blue during the opening ceremony.
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Members of the Australia team parde into the stadium.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Members of the Australia team parde into the stadium.
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Members of Brazil's delegation hold their national flag as they walk during the opening ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Members of Brazil's delegation hold their national flag as they walk during the opening ceremony.
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Simon Whitfield of the Canada Olympic triathlon team carries his country's flag.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Simon Whitfield of the Canada Olympic triathlon team carries his country's flag.
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Canadian athletes enter the stadium.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Canadian athletes enter the stadium.
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Chinese athletes enter the stadium.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Chinese athletes enter the stadium.
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Croatia's delegation parades during the opening ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Croatia's delegation parades during the opening ceremony.
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Athletes parade during the opening ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Athletes parade during the opening ceremony.
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Members of India's delegation parade in the opening ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Members of India's delegation parade in the opening ceremony.
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A member of India's delegation takes a picture as he parades during the opening ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
A member of India's delegation takes a picture as he parades during the opening ceremony.
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Ali Mazaheri of the Iran Olympic boxing team carries his country's flag.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Ali Mazaheri of the Iran Olympic boxing team carries his country's flag.
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Members of Iran's delegation parade during the opening ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Members of Iran's delegation parade during the opening ceremony.
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Usain Bolt leads the Jamaican Olympic team around the stadium.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Usain Bolt leads the Jamaican Olympic team around the stadium.
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Reigning Olympic men's 100-meter and 200-meter champion Usain Bolt of Jamaica carries his country's flag.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Reigning Olympic men's 100-meter and 200-meter champion Usain Bolt of Jamaica carries his country's flag.
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An image of Jamaica's track star Usain Bolt, currently the world's fastest man, is projected on The Houses of Parliament in London.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
An image of Jamaica's track star Usain Bolt, currently the world's fastest man, is projected on The Houses of Parliament in London.
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Natascha Keller of the German Olympic hockey team carries her country's flag during the opening ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Natascha Keller of the German Olympic hockey team carries her country's flag during the opening ceremony.
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Song-Chol Pak of the North Korea Olympic team carries his country's flag.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Song-Chol Pak of the North Korea Olympic team carries his country's flag.
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Athletes parade during the opening ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Athletes parade during the opening ceremony.
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Philippine Van Aanholt, an independent Olympic athlete, parades during the opening ceremony
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Philippine Van Aanholt, an independent Olympic athlete, parades during the opening ceremony
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Mariel Zagunis of the United States Olympic fencing team carries her country's flag.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Mariel Zagunis of the United States Olympic fencing team carries her country's flag.
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Fencer Mariel Zagunis leads the U.S. Olympic team around the stadium.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Fencer Mariel Zagunis leads the U.S. Olympic team around the stadium.
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An image of British Olympic champion Jonathan Edwards is projected on the Houses of Parliament .
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
An image of British Olympic champion Jonathan Edwards is projected on the Houses of Parliament .
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Members of the Britain's delegation parade wave.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Members of the Britain's delegation parade wave.
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British spectators cheer as they attend the opening ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
British spectators cheer as they attend the opening ceremony.
AFP/Getty Images
Fireworks explode from the top of Tower Bridge.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Fireworks explode from the top of Tower Bridge.
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Fireworks go off from Tower Bridge.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Fireworks go off from Tower Bridge.
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Fireworks light up Tower Bridge.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Fireworks light up Tower Bridge.
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Fireworks are displayed at Tower Bridge.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Fireworks are displayed at Tower Bridge.
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David Beckham passes under Tower Bridge driving a speedboat named "Max Power," which carries the Olympic Torch.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
David Beckham passes under Tower Bridge driving a speedboat named "Max Power," which carries the Olympic Torch.
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Torchbearer Sir Steve Redgrave hands the Olympic flame over to the seven young athletes who represent Britain's hopes for the next Olympics.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Torchbearer Sir Steve Redgrave hands the Olympic flame over to the seven young athletes who represent Britain's hopes for the next Olympics.
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The young athletes carry the Olympic glame.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
The young athletes carry the Olympic glame.
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The Olympic flame is carried into the stadium.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
The Olympic flame is carried into the stadium.
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The Olympic flame burns in the cauldron.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
The Olympic flame burns in the cauldron.
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The Olympic flame is seen in the stadium during the ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
The Olympic flame is seen in the stadium during the ceremony.
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Participants look on as the Olympic flame burns in the cauldron.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Participants look on as the Olympic flame burns in the cauldron.
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Fireworks over the Olympic Stadium.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Fireworks over the Olympic Stadium.
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Fireworks burst above the stadium during the opening ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Fireworks burst above the stadium during the opening ceremony.
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Fireworks cast a purple glow over the Olympic Stadium.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Fireworks cast a purple glow over the Olympic Stadium.
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Fireworks explode from the stadium roof.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Fireworks explode from the stadium roof.
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Fireworks ignite over the Olympic Stadium.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Fireworks ignite over the Olympic Stadium.
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People cheer as they watch the opening ceremony on an outdoor screen at Piccadilly Circus.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
People cheer as they watch the opening ceremony on an outdoor screen at Piccadilly Circus.
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Fireworks light up the Olympic Stadium and the night sky.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Fireworks light up the Olympic Stadium and the night sky.
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Fireworks over the Olympic Stadium.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Fireworks over the Olympic Stadium.
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Fireworks illuminate the sky in a fiery rainbow of color.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Fireworks illuminate the sky in a fiery rainbow of color.
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Fireworks go off over the Olympic Stadium at the official opening of the 2012 Games.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Fireworks go off over the Olympic Stadium at the official opening of the 2012 Games.
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Danny Boyle, the director of the opening ceremony, reacts to the show.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Danny Boyle, the director of the opening ceremony, reacts to the show.
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Fireworks form a fiery ring over the Olympic Stadium.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Fireworks form a fiery ring over the Olympic Stadium.
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General view as fireworks illuminate the sky during the opening ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
General view as fireworks illuminate the sky during the opening ceremony.
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Fireworks are let off over the Olympic stadium
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Fireworks are let off over the Olympic stadium
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Sir Paul McCartney performs during the opening ceremony.
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Sir Paul McCartney performs during the opening ceremony.
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Fireworks light up the sky during the opening ceremony. Check out photos from the <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2012%2F08%2F12%2Fworld%2Fgallery%2Folympic-closing-ceremony%2Findex.html" target="_blank">closing ceremony.</a>
Olympics: Opening ceremony —
Fireworks light up the sky during the opening ceremony. Check out photos from the closing ceremony.
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