AP Photo/Markus Schreiber
Let the games begin!
After much anticipation, the 2016 Rio Olympics kicked off Friday night with the opening ceremonies. Broadcast on NBC, the star-studded ceremony hosted by Matt Lauer, Meredith Vieira and Hoda Kotb featured everything you hoped for and more in a world-wide event.
Maybe it's the outfits in the Parade of Nations that grab your attention. Perhaps it's the artistic performances inside Maracanã Stadium. Or maybe it's the simple idea that the world comes together once every four years for two weeks of summer sports.
Whatever the case may be, millions of viewers were captivated by Friday night's telecast that went off without a hitch.
In case you missed any of the telecast, we have all the highlights from Team USA and beyond. Take a look at all the memorable moments below.
Open the Runway: Gisele Bündchen kicked off the opening ceremony with a tribute to her native country. In her final runway walk, the supermodel strutted her stuff to the tune of bossa nova jazz classic, "The Girl from Ipanema." As for that gorgeous gown, Brazilian designer Alexandre Herchcovitch deserves all the credit.
Lookalike Alert: It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a guy that looks a lot like Neil Patrick Harris. Many on Twitter including comedian Michelle Collins couldn't help but notice that Team Belarus member Vasil Kiryienka looks a lot like the star from How I Met Your Mother.
Where Art Thou Athletes: Not every member from Team USA chose to walk in the Parade of Nations. Some stars chose to relax at their hotel in order to stay focused on their upcoming matches. In other words, they had a pretty good excuse. "We decided to be inspired from our hotel rooms instead of walking in #openingceremonies," beach volleyball gold medalist Kerri Walsh Jennings wrote on Instagram. "It's a tough thing to miss but we have our bodies, minds & spirits focused on ONE thing. Consistently living in our strengths and playing powerfully present beach volleyball."
What a Trio: As Team Estonia walked during the opening ceremony, all eyes were on Leila, Liina and Lily Luik, who are competing in the women's marathon. They are believed to be the first triplets to have qualified for the Winter or Summer Games.
Selfie Game Strong: If there was ever an event to pull out the selfie stick, the opening ceremonies may just be the place. Tom Daley managed to grab some of his teammates together moments before the big event. The results are pretty darn special. "All dressed up in our opening ceremony gear, ready to watch from the village :) @teamgb," he shared on Twitter.
Competing for a Purpose: For the first time in Olympic history, a team of refugees will be competing in the summer games. Ten athletes from more than 40 candidates were chosen based on sporting skill, verified refugee status and personal background. "This will be a symbol of hope for all the refugees in our world, and will make the world better aware of the magnitude of this crisis. It is also a signal to the international community that refugees are our fellow human beings and are an enrichment to society," International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach said before the players walked out with the Olympics flag. And yes, that standing ovation gave us all the feels.
Hot Bod Alert: Talk about stealing the show. Team Tonga flag bearer Pita Taufatofua turned heads when he stepped out shirtless for his walk. As you likely could have guessed, the Internet went crazy and it's safe to say even more eyes will be on him as the games continue.
Best Hair: In case you missed Team Jamaica walk through the ceremonies, you may have missed track and field star Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and her bright yellow and green hair. In short, it's the perfect match to her country's team colors and outfit.
Tears of Joy: Sometimes, you just have to take a moment to absorb everything around you. That's what may have happened to Team Boliva member José Quintanilla as he couldn't help but shed several tears while capturing the opening ceremony on his phone.
Phelps' Big Duty: Before hitting the swimming pool to break even more records, Michael Phelps was given the honor of being Team USA's flag bearer. "It's something I'm obviously looking forward to," the 18-time gold medalist told Today days before the moment. "There's definitely going to be a lot of emotions. It's a huge honor to me."
Best Photobomb: At first, we were trying to listen to Allyson Felix's interview. But then, a few Team USA members couldn't help but try and get involved with the party. How can you be upset though during such an exciting time in their Olympics experience? You do you, athletes.
Words to Live By: While we know the Olympics comes down to competition, we couldn't help but applaud the words of advice shared by Thomas Bach before the torch was lit. "Respect yourself. Respect each other," he shared. "And respect the Olympic values."