Just before the Opening Ceremonies began, I was jolted out of my ennui by the sight of the whole Romanian women's team coming in and sitting down across the aisle from us. Dressed in uniform green blouses and trousers, they were kind enough to sign autographs (this was before the autograph mania of the next few days) and Simona Amanar posed for a photo (thrill for me!) . This was a great way to start the championships. It did not even occur to me to get autographs before this!
Li Donghua happily posing for photographs.
The woodcarver's blocks were given as souvenirs to the gold medallists.
Injured
reigning world champion Liliya Podkopaeva gamely signing away after the
Ceremonies.