2012 London Olympics: Opening Ceremony athletes

Kobe Bryant marches with members of the U.S. Olympic team as they stride into Olympic Stadium during the Opening Ceremony. The theme is “This is for everyone,” and the volunteer cast is 7,500 strong.   (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Team USA members ham it up for their own cameras as they enter Olympic Stadium on Friday.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Serena Williams waves as she marches with U.S. Olympic team members during the opening ceremony.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

The squad from Great Britain moves through the stadium during the Opening Ceremony.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Maria Sharapova of Russia’s Olympic tennis team carries her country’s flag during the Opening Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium in London.  (Laurence Griffiths / Getty Images)

A Slovakian athlete takes in the activities during the Opening Ceremony at the 2012 Summer Olympics.  (Matt Slocum / Associated Press)

Laura Flessel-Colovic of French Olympic fencing team carries her country’s flag during the Opening Ceremony.  (Laurence Griffiths / Getty Images)

An Israeli athlete at the Opening Ceremony incorporated his country’s flag into his hairstyle.  (Matt Slocum / Associated Press)

Chinese athletes parade during the Opening Ceremony for the 2012 Summer Olympics.  (Nick Potts / Associated Press)

Sarah Attar is one of the first female athletes to compete for Saudi Arabia at the 2012 London Olympics.   (Cameron Spencer / Getty Images)

South African athletes march into the stadium during the Opening Ceremony at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.  (David Goldman / Associated Press)

Canadian athletes cheer during the Opening Ceremony.  (Eric Gay / Associated Press)