India's flag bearer Sushil Kumar holds the national flag as he leads the contingent in the athletes parade during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games
The three-hour spectacle, a quirky take on UK life, was viewed by TV audiences around the globe
Jamaica's flag bearer Usain Bolt holds the national flag as he leads the contingent in the athletes parade during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium
Athletes of participating countries stand in the middle of the Olympic Stadium after the athletes parade at the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games
Athletes take their places in the Olympic Stadium during the athletes parade at the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games
Fireworks explode over the Olympic Stadium during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games
Artists perform during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics Games at the Olympic Stadium in London
The Olympic rings hang on London's Tower Bridge as a speedboat driven by Britain's David Beckham and carrying the Olympic torch prepares to mark the opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympic Games
India's flag bearer Sushil Kumar holds the national flag as he leads the contingent in the athletes parade during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium
Fireworks explode over the Olympic Stadium during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games
Former Beatle Paul McCartney sings during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games
Fireworks explode over the Olympic stadium during the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games