I just got through watching the Opening Ceremonies a short while ago, and as I write this, viewers of the NBC broadcast in the Western and Mountain time zones haven’t seen the end of it. So I won’t spoil it for those folks, but I have to admit I was impressed.

First, I didn’t think Yao Ming leading the Chinese delegation carrying the country’s flag would be that big of a deal, especially since he had already done it in Athens in 2004. But this time it was different — he was doing it in front of his fellow countrymen, who were all screaming and yelling with glee. That element was HUGE, and I’m glad he had the honor to do it for a second time. Yao carrying the flag was more fitting than if he had run a short leg of the torch relay in the stadium. It was the right call.

Second, NBC gave tons of camera time to Yao, which was appropriate. At the end of the broadcast, Yao gave one of the best interviews I’ve ever seen from him, all while holding the 9-year boy who had survived the Sichuan earthquake, Lin Hao. The boy had helped save two fellow classmates after pulling himself out of the rubble. Both Lin Hao and Yao Ming represented their country well. You can tell Yao was very emotional about the ceremony he had just seen and participated in, and for what Lin Hao was fortunate to see firsthand. Yao said he almost cried. I almost did, too.

Finally, the way the torch was lit was unpredictable and majestic. Again, I won’t spoil it for the people in other timezones, but I was impressed. Good job Beijing!

This entry was posted on Friday, August 8th, 2008 at 10:43 pm and is filed under 2008 Beijing Olympics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.