Here at last, after all the speculation over Russia's doping activities, Rio's lack of preparation and the monetary problems, the Zika Virus, and excitement over GB's medal hopefuls the wait is over, Rio has finally opened its doors to start the greatest show on earth.
Last night's opening ceremony captured Brazilian culture and the Olympic spirit, and even featured important messages about the future of the country. It did not match the spectacular nature of its to predecessors. But lets not forget it was done on a tenth of the budget of the London Olympics' opening and a fortieth of that of Beijing. And let's be honest, Beijing was spectacular but was actually quite boring.
The Olympic rings were represented by trees
Had it been a spectacular, it would have actually reflected worse on Rio, given their financial mess at the moment. The protests on the streets would have got worse, with their poorly treated population becoming increasingly sick of Rio putting on a show for the rest of the world, where they can't even deal with huge problems in their own city.
Teachers in Rio haven't been paid for a year, Brazil's president who won them the bid is standing trial for corruption and their current one is in the process of being impeached, they finished some of their final preparation yesterday and just 16% of Brazilians are enthusiastic about the games. That number was 60% in Britain four years ago.
Russia have somehow been allowed to compete at these games, in spite of the fact their government funds a widespread doping programme that has enabled them to compete at the top level for so many years on end now. WADA (who the IOC funds) recommended they be removed, but yet they haven't been. It's just unbelievable how weak the IOC have been on this. Still, there's almost no way they will get in the top three without weightlifters.
So after that mini review and rant, I'm ready to give you the heads-up for all the big events on the first official day of the Olympics.
GB Medal Hopes
Unfortunately for GB, there is just one event that we have people involved in today where medals are up for grabs, but it is a big one. The Men's road race. Chris Froome and Steve Cummings are the two men that the British hopes rest upon, with the former being more likely to win if the bunch is strong and the latter being in a position to take the title if there's a dominant breakaway.
Froome will be eyeing a maiden Olympic Gold to add to his London 2012 bronze in the time trial
Spain's Alejandro Valverde is the favourite, a rider who can have success over a three week grand tour or a day road race. Having picked up 6 World Championship medals but no golds, is this finally the stage where he can win to write his name into the history books? Froome himself has tipped his former sky teammate Rigoberto Uran to have a strong day, the 2012 silver medalist will be hoping he can go one better and bring home the gold for Columbia.
Brits in Action
Can Miley add to her Commonwealth games gold?
In Judo Ashley MacKenzie looks to convert his Commonwealth gold into an Olympic one. The excitable 27 year old is expected to at least be in the hunt for a medal. Like Judo, Gymnastics was a sport where the Brits hugely excelled at the Commonwealth games, Britain's men are in qualifying from 18:30 having taken world team silver in Glasgow last year. From 12:30 rowing begins, Alan Campbell, who was tearful at receiving his bronze at London 2012 features in the single scull heats and Katherine Grainger will start her journey to try and claim a fifth Olympic medal and a second alongside new partner Victoria Thornley.
Both British teams, men and women, are in action in the hockey, taking on Belgium and Australia respectively and there's a full day of boxing prelims from 15:00 sees Wales' European lightweight champion Joe Cordina in action.
Other Highlights
The main highlights come in the pool, but two big names are missing out In the men's 400m individual medley there will be no Ryan Lochte after the American defending champion missed out the US trials. China's Ye Shiwen, who stunned London with a world-record swim to gold (aged 16) in the women's 400m individual medley in 2012, will also be missing from that event in Rio. It makes the route somewhat easier for Hannah Miley, to a medal at least.
Ye Shiwen shocked the World with a stunning swim in 2012, with a final length that was faster than male Ryan Lochte in the same event
As well as cycling there are medals up for grabs in Archery, Fencing, Judo and Shooting where far eastern countries are expected to excel. Whilst there is no guarantee China will win the games, it is almost certain that they will be on top of the table by the end of the first weekend.
Rugby sevens makes its Olympic debut with each of the women's teams playing twice at the Deodoro complex in Rio. Team GB, who are one of the favourites, start against hosts Brazil at 16:00 before taking on Japan at 21:00.
And Finally...
After making their way through qualifying with a shock victory over Egypt, Cameroon make their Olympic women's indoor volleyball debut against Champions and favourites Brazil. Amazingly they arrived three months in advance of the games just to prepare (Source: BBC Sport)
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