The Gold Coast Commonwealth Games opened last night at Carrara Stadium. Here are a few thoughts on the evening.
Sophie Pascoe an inspired choice
You'll find it pretty hard to find a bad word said about Sophie Pascoe, and her selection as flagbearer was the perfect choice.
A star in the water, and an ambassador out of it, she symbolises all that is good about New Zealand.
Watching her lead New Zealand's team out onto the stadium was special.
The Kiwi flagbearer couldn't hide her joy as she shared the raw emotion of the moment in a live Facebook interview.
The rain Gods were merciful (just)
With five minutes to go until the opening ceremony started, the rain that had threatened all day came, and came hard.
Thankfully it was short and sharp, although many in the largely uncovered stadium spent the next few hours a bit damp.
It didn't seem to dampen too many spirits however.
Off to the beach
The inevitable beach-themed ceremony was appropriate, but at times felt a bit flat. It lacked a real zing.
Things picked up when the real stars of the show - the athletes - took their turn in the spotlight.
They're what we're here for, after all.
Women in the Pacific
It was heartening to see so many leading sportswomen carrying their flag, and nowhere was that more apparent when the Pacific nations took their bow.
As well as Pascoe, Magan Maka held the Tongan flag, Apolonia Vaivai the Fijian flag, and Patricia Taea (Cook Islands) were among those to be given the honour.
There's still a long way to go, but this recognition was brilliant to see in the first games where men and women will compete for the same amount of medals.
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