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An extravagant opening ceremony staged in London marked the beginning of the 2012 Olympic Games, witnessed by 60,000 people, and capped by the parade of 10,500 athletes from 204 competing nations —those who were meant to compete the next day would miss the ceremony in order to save strength.

According to reports by CBS and AP, “Greece had the lead, as the spiritual home of the games, and Team Great Britain was last, as host. The tradition of athletes marching into the stadium by nation at the opening ceremony began at London's first Olympics, in 1908.”

Andros Nikolaidis (taekwondo) will be the Greek flag bearer whereas cyclist Chris Hoy will close for host nation Great Britain. Cuba will enter at the 50th spot with wrestler Mijain Lopez as the flag bearer.

Competitions officially started Wednesday.