Not for Usain Bolt, the understated introduction of an Olympic opening ceremony.
The world's greatest sprinter, and athletics' anointed savior, had missed the opening ceremony on Friday evening in Rio de Janeiro.
Bolt was finally unveiled to Brazil on Monday evening at a Jamaica team press conference replete with DJs, cocktails and samba dancers.
The 100 meters world record holder told assembled journalists that "people should have faith" in athletics following a series of doping revelations over the past year. Russian track and field athletes are not present in Rio after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) backed a blanket ban by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) on their competing.
The strangest moment, however, came when a Norwegian journalist stood up, told Bolt he was in love with him, and proceeded to deliver a rap in the Jamaican's honor.
Bolt runs in the 100 meters heats on Saturday, seeking to defend the 100 and 200 meters gold medals he won four years ago in London.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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Sportswriter at Newsweek.
