On your marks...

The long awaited Rio 2016 Olympics began on Saturday morning AEST with a dazzling lights display at the famous Maracana Stadium.

The Games kicked off in spectacular fashion with a colourful opening ceremony that celebrated global diversity.

The show was a riot of music and a celebration of Brazil's multi-ethnic history, watched by audiences around the world.

Samba music featured prominently at the event, put together by the City of God director Fernando Ferreira Meirelles.

Supermodel Gisele dazzled the crowds at the opening ceremony, in what was billed as her final cat walk appearance.

Millions of people across the planet are expected to watch the Games!

Good luck to all athletes, coaches and officials involved!

Photo Credit: Alex Coppel

Latest News

Inspiring young Victorians on the road to 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games hero image

Inspiring young Victorians on the road to 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games

August 20, 2025

Olympian Tess Lloyd has swapped her Olympic sailing gear for a new role at the VIS, helping athletes share their stories and inspire Victorians. Being an athlete speaker herself, it was a full-circle moment when she returned to the classroom alongside two VIS winter athletes. Hear what makes this role so meaningful for her and how she’s helping inspire the community.

Olympic champion coach to fuel Victoria's cycling future hero image

Olympic champion coach to fuel Victoria's cycling future

August 19, 2025

Victorian cycling future strengthened with appointment of Tim Decker as Head Endurance Coach at the Victorian Institute of Sport.

Australia unearths 346 future stars in historic talent search ahead of Brisbane 2032 hero image

Australia unearths 346 future stars in historic talent search ahead of Brisbane 2032

August 7, 2025

Australia’s ambitious goal to pull off a record-breaking performance at Brisbane 2032 is gaining momentum, with 346 Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls uncovered through the nation’s largest-ever talent search.

Aussie cycling sensation: Conquering the climb no one could see hero image

Aussie cycling sensation: Conquering the climb no one could see

August 7, 2025

​Sarah Gigante has proved herself as one of the best climbers in the world, putting the international cycling community on notice.

The final play: Vixens clinch premiership in Simone McKinnis' grand goodbye hero image

The final play: Vixens clinch premiership in Simone McKinnis' grand goodbye

August 7, 2025

Melbourne Vixens have been crowned the 2025 Suncorp Super Netball season champions. With a spectacular 59–58 grand final win over West Coast Fever, in what was widely celebrated as a perfect fairytale send-off for outgoing coach Simone McKinnis OAM.

Related news

See all our partners

VIS is proudly supported by