Sochi Games officially under way

The 2014 Sochi Winter Olympic Games were officially opened overnight following an amazing opening ceremony at the Fisht Olympic Stadium.

The ceremony opened the Games to 6000 athletes from 85 countries, who will compete in 98 events across 15 sports, while showcasing Russia’s culture with a dynamic display of colour and sound.

NSWIS athlete Alex Pullin (@chumpypullin) had the honour of leading the 60-strong Australian team into the Olympic stadium, the largest ever Australian team to compete at the Winter Olympic Games.

While no competitive events took place on the day of the opening ceremony, plenty of NSWIS athletes are scheduled to compete early Sunday morning, Sydney time.

Moguls skiers Britt Cox (@BrittyCox), Taylah O’Neill (@taylahoneill) and Nicole Parks(@Nicolejadeparks) return to the slopes for round two of the women’s freestyle moguls in an attempt to move into the final, while biathlete Alex Almoukov (@almoukov) will line up at his second Winter Olympic Games in the men’s 10km sprint event.

Later on Sunday evening Torah Bright (@TorahBright) will attempt to win the second Olympic gold medal of her career, this time in the women’s snowboard slopestyle, while NSWIS cross country skier Callum Watson (@callumwxc) makes his Olympic debut when he takes part in the men’s 30km skiathlon.

Let the Games begin!