The Countdown is OVER!
The wait is over, the count down has completed, the 31st Summer Olympic games have finally arrived. Seven years after the bid was won, Brazil have opened the games in style, welcoming the world into their country with open arms.
More than 11,000 athletes, representing 206 nations have descended on the South American east coast to compete in 31 sports. 421 Australian athletes will participate in the two weeks of competition, with the possibility to win medals significant.
Olympic heavyweights the United States, Great Britain, China, Jamaica and Japan have all submitted strong teams, with fierce competition for the Aussie teams across all sports.
The opening ceremony told the story of a nation that has fought the invasions of many other countries to become the colourful and diverse tourist destination that they are today. Music, dance and vibrant colour were the focus, celebrating the electrifying nature of Rio De Jenerio. From model Gisele Bundchen strutting across the arena to the sounds of 'Girl from Ipanema' to the samba dancers of Carnivale, the opening ceremony had it all, with the crowd embracing the party atmosphere.
With competition so fierce in all sports, watch for the Australians to dominate in the pool, the womens rugby 7s, womens basketball, mens hockey, track cycling and sailing. However, anything can happen on the worlds biggest sporting stage.
Watch out for Cameron McEvoy, the Campbell sisters, Mitch Larkin and Emily Seebohm to make the swimming events their own, and watch as flag barer Anna Meares takes control in the velodrome in the cycling. Rower Kim Brennan hopes to turn her bronze into gold in the single sculls and Jared Tallent is set to excite in the 50km walk. There is an incredible amount of talent within the Australian team for both individual and team sports.
Jamaica's Usain Bolt will attempt to make it three consecutive gold medal wins in the 100 metre and 200 metre events on the track, while the most decorated Olympian, Michael Phelps looks to add more gold to his collection of a total 22 medals (18 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze) in his final olympics. But nothing can go past the Brazilian football team, who hope to secure gold in the county's national sport.
Although the topless Tongan flag barer captured hearts everywhere, as Bruce (McAvaney) said "Not sure if his mum is watching but she'd be proud of that rig", nothing could overshadow the vibrant array of team uniforms from the African nations.
So, over the next two weeks, lets embrace our Aussie athletes in whatever sport they may be competing in, from swimming to athletics and even in the badminton, because the potential to win gold is everywhere!
*Photos courtesy of Getty Images