Let the Winter Olympics officially begin!
The games kicked off on Friday evening during the Opening Ceremony at Fisht Olympic Stadium in Sochi.
As expected, the dazzling show featured a presentation of the host nation's rich history, the diverse group of athletes and a fantastic fireworks display after the lighting of the Olympic torch by former ice hockey player Vladislav Tretyak and figure skating great Irina Rodnina.
Team USA, a group 230 athletes and the largest delegation from the states to ever participate in the winter games, proudly marched in Ralph Lauren's Christmas-sweater-esque design. Nordic combined six-time Olympian Todd Lodwick was the flagbearer.
So let's take a look back at the best and worst moments from the Opening Ceremony:
Dreamlike Sequence: 11-year-old Liza Temnikova took flight as Lyubov as she performed Moskva/The Dream. During a somewhat stunning moment, the brave girl reached out and grabbed for a kite tail, which pulled her up into a sky. Below her was a vast Russian landscape, symbolizing the nation's size and growth.
Vast Landscape: Several reindeer stand near gurs during one beautiful Russian rural landscape scene.
Snowflake Malfunction: The only real worst moment to pinpoint and the only glitch throughout the extravagant display. That poor fifth ring.
Best Entrance: Skier Antonio Pardo from Venezuela might be the only athlete participating from his country, but he didn't let that get to him. He was exuberant as he carried his country's flag during the Parade of Nations.
Worst Tumble: One unidentified Olympian from Austria took an unfortunate tumble as he marched with his fellow athletes.
Who Wears Short Shorts?: The cold temperatures--below 40 degrees Fahrenheit--didn't stop Team Bermuda from wearing their trademark namesake shorts. They did sport some highish socks, which is part of the style, and maybe that helped them stay warm?
A Fashion Statement: Team Germany's fashion designer, responsible for the Opening Ceremony look, insisted the rainbow jackets was not a political statement against Russia's anti-gay laws.
Iconic Inflatables: Giant and ornate helium inflatables created a colorful and breathtaking image of St. Basil's cathedral in Moscow.
Bring on the Ballet: In a nod to Russia's culture, the Opening Ceremony honored famous writer Leo Tolstoy's War and Peace with a ballet sequence in a faux snowstorm.
Let There Be Light: Several dancers illuminate the dark stadium in their stunning glowing wardrobe.
Historical Revolution: A large group of red-clad dancers performed Time Forward!/Suprematic Ballet to symbolize the Russian Revolution in 1917 as well as the avant-garde art movement.
What was your favorite moment from the Opening Ceremony? Sound off in the comments below!
And be sure to tune in to our coverage from Sochi on E!
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