By Pranathi Chitta
Staff Writer

Most Olympic opening ceremonies occur the same way; announcing the participating countries, lighting the torch and a special performance from the host country. But there was something astounding about the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. There was not a moment where I could take my eyes off the TV.

The ceremony opened with a short clip of the Russian alphabet, depicting each symbol and what it means in English.

Then came a young Russian girl in the middle of the ice, performing all different kinds of acrobatic stunts. Being pulled by two ropes, the girl flew over different landmarks of Russia recreated in the stadium, which helped me to see what Russia has to offer.

When the five Olympic rings was attempted to be put up, it epically failed. The five snowflakes were supposed to be formed into

the five Olympic rings, but the end snowflake never changed, which was disappointing, although the presentation of the other four rings was quite exquisite.

The countries were introduced in an exotic way, in which I was quite impressed and satisfied. I was glad that the presentation of the countries made up for the mistake they made earlier in the ceremony. When each country’s Olympic team made their way out, I suddenly also wanted be there and join them in walking in the stadium. I wanted to wear their uniform, be united like them, and wear the colors of my country.

I am very impressed with what Russia had to show us in the opening ceremony and I now have strong hopes for the closing ceremony and how Russia will say goodbye.