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

Careers Week | Collaborating for success with Deakin University hero image

Careers Week | Collaborating for success with Deakin University

May 17, 2024

VIS promotes a dual-career approach, where athletes are encouraged to pursue education and personal development alongside their athletic endeavours. Collaborating with educational institutions, like Deakin University, provides balance to the unique needs of high-performance athletes.

Careers Week | Beyond the stage with Sarah Thompson hero image

Careers Week | Beyond the stage with Sarah Thompson

May 13, 2024

Sarah Thompson's journey from ballet to high-performance sports offers a unique perspective on athlete welfare. As a former ballerina turned Performance Lifestyle Adviser at the Victorian Institute of Sport, Thompson's experience navigating the demands of professional dance informs her approach to supporting VIS athletes.

Shelley Matheson | A Glider in Name Only hero image

Shelley Matheson | A Glider in Name Only

May 12, 2024

Few have accomplished all that Shelley Matheson (nee Chaplin) has: At the age of 39, she has won three Paralympic medals, captained her country, travelled the world, and given birth to two daughters - unmedicated no less. And she’s done it all from a wheelchair.

Harrison Calls Time hero image

Harrison Calls Time

May 9, 2024

The Board of the Victorian Institute of Sport has paid tribute to Chief Executive Officer Anne Marie Harrison who announced today that she will retire in October, after 18 years in the role.

In-Seine Facts | The Evolution of the Paralympic Logo hero image

In-Seine Facts | The Evolution of the Paralympic Logo

April 29, 2024

Could you draw the Paralympic logo from memory right now? Well, you'd be forgiven if you can't. Unlike the rings of the modern Olympic Games which have only been tweaked twice since 1896, the logo of the Paralympic Games has been altered four times, including as recently as 2019.

Related news

See all our partners

VIS is proudly supported by