To think that the Opening Parade at the Olympics is not the place to take selfies?

[Nanny0gg]

Is there nowhere sacred now?

[PrincessHairyMclary]

I think if I'd worked hard at something since I was 3-4years old and got to the most important competition of my career Id take a selfie too. I'm sure them capturing the atmosphere is much more important than the aesthetics to the viewer.

[WorraLiberty]

Blimey, why ever not?

[ButteredToastAndStrawberryJam]

I think it's just the way of the world now unfortunately. If it's not on social media it hasn't happened.

[hazeyjane]

I don't know, a big once in a lifetime parade seems like the perfect place to take selfies.

is nowhere sacred now? if it was the pope's funeral I might agree with you.

[Ginmakesitallok]

I think that if there is anywhere to take a selfie it's at the opening parade at the Olympics. Why should the Olympics be considered "sacred"?

[MargotsDevil]

Honestly? I'd rather see that than the people who were taking selfies at the altar of the cathedrals I visited recently. One of them whilst there was a service in progress I'm not religious but I found that to be incredibly disrespectful.

[TondelayaDellaVentamiglia]

it was the same at London 2012 and also the commonwealth games.

[SaggyNaggy]

When ypu think about it the opening ceremony of the Olympics is a far more suitable place to take a selfie than in the bathroom mirror whilst drunk doing the tongue out v sign.

[OddBoots]

I normally find selfies annoying but at a once in a lifetime event that they have absolutely worked their socks off to be at I think that is the perfect time for a selfie.

[lilydaisyrose]

I thought the same at London 2012 OP. The parade spoilt by all the athlete's mobiles in front of their faces.

[Nanny0gg]

But it's being filmed and there's thousands of press photographers there from every country!

(and I know it happened at 2012 too)

[FuturesAChanging]

If you go back 10/20/30 years athletes still walked in carrying cameras/camcorders. It's nothing new. I would take a selfie, but not record the whole thing. If I was in the audience I would take a few pictures but not film it, I would record the tv

[FeckinCrutches]

Perfect place to take selfies! And lots were filming the crowds rather than just taking selfies I'm sure.

[Fishcake72]

Yes you are!

[chipsandpeas]

if i was at the olympic opening ceremony as an athelte or spectator then id be taking selfies galore

i dont see whats sacred about it

[JinkxMonsoon]

It's their moment that they've been working their arses off to achieve for years. It's a massive achievement that most people can only dream of. They can take thousands of selfies for all I care.

[BuntyFigglesworthSpiffington]

YABU

It's not as thought it's the commemoration of the Somme. It's just sport.

[CrotchetQuaverMinim]

I think it's a great place for it - I always enjoyed seeing them doing it, thinking how much they were enjoying the atmosphere, and how the ceremony really was all about the athletes, not just the spectacle. I liked seeing how much it meant to them, and it was their games - they were just these sponsored, groomed, media superstars that we saw interviewed and profiled, but real people who were capturing this special moment for themselves. And when it seemed to get in the way of the formality of it, or spoiled the view or the symmetry or camera shots or whatever, it was easier to remember that it wasn't actually for the TV viewing audience who wanted it all to look perfect.

[CrotchetQuaverMinim]

And yes, as someone said, they've been taking cameras in with them for years and years. Not instantly uploaded to social media, and not so obviously selfies, but the same phenomenon.

[Mumoftwoyoungkids]

My BIL represented his country at two commonwealth games. He was a medalist at one of them. He plays a minority sport. There are no official press photographs of him in either opening ceremony. He was not featured on the TV. He also cannot be seen in the closing ceremonies. Believe me - we looked! The only photos we have are of him in this are the ones he and his team mates took. If you are not Andy Murray / Mo Farrah / Jess Ennis-Hill or in the right place at the right time then you will not be shown.

(Hilariously my FIL was a coach at a different Commonwealths. He was shown in two different shots at the opening ceremony (out of a grand total of four for their country!) He hadn't even realised he would get to march until the day before. Presumably everyone was watching and saying "why is that man in his 60s there?")

[Whathaveilost]

I think it's brilliant!
I love seeing the athletes looking happy and proud.
It makes me smile when I see them.
Doesn't bother me in the slightest

[Flashbangandgone]

I think it's reasonable to take a few photos/selfies at an event like that. What I don't get though is people who seem to want to spend the whole time videoing an event like that rather than enjoying it, as though it's more important to experience the experience of the event afterwards, than experience the event at the time...

[NeedAnotherGlass]

I think that anyone who has earned the right to walk out in their team kit, can take as many photos as they want to. It's not about the spectators, it's about their personal achievements.

[Muddlingthroughtoo]

Can't think of a better place to take selfies! Olympic selfie, now there's one to put as your profile pic.
The athletes and coaches are just normal people, they aren't pop stars and A-listers, they are so amazed and grateful to be out there. Let them capture it! It's not a solemn ceremony.

[Trills]

At the 2012 Olympics I saw athletes with their phones set to scrolling text marquee saying things like HI MUM.

I thought it was cute.

So many of them are very young.