Spectacular Opening of the XX Olympic Winter Games in Torino, Italy

Torino, Italia - February 10, 2006

Italy's most decorated Olympic Winter athlete, Stefania Belmondo (10 Olympic medals, including two gold medals - cross-country skiing), carried the Olympic Torch on its last leg and lit the Olympic Flame in grand and spectacular style. The Olympic Torch was brough into the stadium by Italian ski legend Alberto Tomba, passed on to a number of Italian Winter Olympic heros, to Deborah Campagnoni who passed the torch on to Belmondo.

Italian President Carlo Ciampi officially declared the XX Olympic Winter Games open.

IOC President Jacques Rogge called upon the athletes gathered to "inspire and motivate future generations" by competing "in a spirit of fair play, mutual understanding and respect."

Also prominently featured: Luciano Pavorotti, Sofia Loren, Yoko Ono (and John Lennon's "Imagination") and an F1 Ferrari.

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