Olympic Torch Lighting 2016: Best Moments from Opening Ceremony of Rio Games

One of the most iconic moments in all of sports took place Friday night in Rio de Janeiro, the lighting of the Olympic cauldron, ushering in the 2016 Summer Games. 

The honor to officially start the Games was given to former long-distance runner Vanderlei de Lima, who won bronze at the 2004 Summer Games in Athens, Greece, while also receiving the Pierre de Coubertin medal for his showing of sportsmanship. 

NBC Olympics showed the moment after de Lima brought the Olympic torch's long journey to an end:

De Lima, 46, earned the Coubertin medal after facing hardships in Athens while running the marathon. Holding the lead, he was attacked by a fan and pushed off course, which resulted in his finishing in third.

The torch entered the stadium with former world No. 1 tennis player Gustavo Kuerten, who handed it off to Brazilian women's basketball legend Hortencia Marcari. From there, she gave it to de Lima, who lit a cauldron that was much smaller than those of Olympics past.

The Associated Press explained why: "Brazilian officials wanted this cauldron smaller than most, a reminder to reduce global warming caused by fossil fuels and greenhouse gases. The flame is housed in a giant sculpture, with spirals to represent the sun."

It underwhelmed ESPN's T.J. Quinn:

But American runner Meb Keflezighi, who took silver in the marathon in 2004, thought it was only right for de Lima to signal in the Games, per Sports Illustrated's Chris Chavez:

He capped off a night that featured other big moments, like the arrival of Team Refugees, 10 athletes from war-torn countries who were forced to flee their homes. They received one of the largest ovations of the night after entering the Maracana Stadium while flying the Olympic flag.

While he was unable to stand atop the podium 12 years ago, de Lima stood alone for one night at the center of the sporting world, representing his country while ringing in the 31st Summer Olympic Games.