The 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro officially begin Friday with the lighting of the Olympic cauldron to start the opening ceremony in the Maracana Stadium.
In this global event built on the backbone of traditions, none fly higher in importance than the torch, which has traveled far and wide on the trek to Rio. A legendary sports figure will undoubtedly do the honors, such as Li Ning (Beijing 2008) or Muhammad Ali (Atlanta 1996) at previous Olympics.
Hailed as the "sexiest-ever" opening ceremony, per the Daily Mail's Caroline Graham, Friday's event promises to be an epic affair kicked off in the best way possible with a torch lighting for the ages.