THE WINTER OLYMPICS got off to a shaky start when a display malfunctioned at the opening ceremony, leaving just four Olympic rings instead of five.
A set of giant snowflakes were supposed to transform into the Olympic rings as part of the Sochi grand opening.
But one failed to expand, leaving the Russian organisers with red faces (and a unwanted snowflake). Oops.
Conor Lyne carried the Irish flag in the Parade of Nations, marking the official opening of the Games which run until 23 February.
Mark Baker/AP/Press Association Images
