13 sailors led their teams in the march of nations in Rio de Janeiro's Maracana Stadium on Friday evening - more than ever before. It may also be due to the fact that the popularity of sailing is increasing as a result of the absence of doping scandals.
Double Olympic champion Robert Scheidt from Brazil administered the Olympic oath to the athletes. The German national sailors enjoyed the opening ceremony and took some momentum from it for the Olympic regatta, which begins for Toni Wilhelm and Philipp Buhl on Monday.
Even before the opening ceremony, the "imperial" appearance of the 49er top favourites and America's Cup sailors Peter Burling and Blair Tuke had provided some cheerful moments. Both had been elected captains of the Kiwi Olympic team. Peter Burling also carried the New Zealand flag into the stadium at the opening ceremony.
"The opening ceremony was simply fantastic," said Philipp Buhl, "it's my first Olympic Games and therefore very special. There were goosebump moments. For example, when the whole team stood in the catacombs and we knew: it's about to start!" Before the German athletes marched into the stadium behind flag bearer and table tennis ace Timo Boll, they spontaneously sang the German national anthem. "That was the best moment," said 470s foresailor Marlene Steinherr. "It was very relaxed in the stadium and great to see so many athletes interacting so peacefully," said a delighted Philipp Buhl.
Tatjana Pokorny
Sports reporter
