London Olympics Opening Ceremony: Highlighting Epic Flag Bearers

The London Games are underway, and we are greeted by some amazing athletes holding their country's flags high. 

The Parade of Nations can be the best and worst parts of the Opening Ceremony. I happen to find them intoxicating, seeing athletes who remain isolated from our view most of the time. 

Every four years, we get a glimpse at nearly the whole world, encapsulated to a myriad of athletes beaming with patriotism. 

Here is a brief look at some of the most memorable flag bearers from Friday's rousing success of an Opening Ceremony. 

Feel slighted in who made the cut, leave suggestions below and sound off with pride. 

Australia: Lauren Jackson

If you want high drama, you could hardly do better than 6'5" basketball player Lauren Jackson bringing in the Australian contingent. 

She is a silver medalist in the 2000, 2004 and 2008 Games, and now belongs in history as an honored athlete to wave her country's flag. 

Jamaica: Usain Bolt

Only one man could rock these yellow pants with fierce swagger, and that's Usain Bolt. Winner of the 100 and 200-meter in Beijing, he has his work cut out form him. 

Thankfully for Jamaica, it seems his fiercest competition this year will be from fellow countryman Yohan Blake, who took both distances at the Olympic Trials.

Norway: Mira Veras Larsen

The world seemed to stop for just a moment as kayak sprinter and member of the Norwegian canoeing team Mira Vera Larsen came into the stadium. 

Luxembourg: Marie Muller

There may be only 10 athletes representing Luxembourg, but they will have a judo dynamo with eyes on a medal in London. 

The 26-year-old will be in the 52 kg class and was the talk of the parade of nations for her sheer joy and exuberance in showing off her country's pride. 

You can actually watch footage of Muller bringing in her country on the Facebook page of the European Judo Union. 

Photo via European Judo Facebook. 

Spain: Pau Gasol

Always walking a tight rope of swag, LA Lakers' big man Pau Gasol is seen here with the biggest smile we have ever seen him offer. 

If the U.S. is to have any issues going for gold in London, it will come from Spain and their complement of brothers Pau and Marc Gasol. 

Photo via Bleacher Report Twitter 

Mexico: Maria Espinoza

I simply couldn't overlook the most colorful contingent at the Opening Ceremony. Mexico certainly made a statement with their vibrant entrance. 

Maria Espinoza has a wonderful story to tell, hoping to win gold in taekwondo as she did in Beijing. Here is a short video of her delving into her upbringing, which tells of her selling all she could to have enough money to buy equipment. 

USA: Mariel Zagunis

Of course, we have to include and nod the great U.S. of A, who were brought into the stadium by the fierce fencer Muriel Zagunis. 

She is an Olympic veteran who won gold in both the Athens and Beijing Games. You can read more about her here. 

Russia: Maria Sharapova

She hardly needs an introduction. The winner of four Grand Slam titles and No. 3 player in the world, according to the WTA, brought Russia into the house. 

There is no question that she will feature heavily in the women's singles hunt for gold. 

Great Britain: Chris Hoy

Then came Great Britain—marching in with what looked like futuristic outfits. I am not sure I want to be a part of that future. 

The moment was all celebration as cyclist Chris Hoy raised the flag with one hand, bringing a dramatic end to a perfect parade of nations. 

Photo via Daily Mail. 

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