Team USA official hails Sochi Games' opening ceremony

The chief communications officer of the US Olympic Committee has hailed the opening ceremony of the Sochi Olympics.

Athletes from 87 countries marched in front of 40,000 people inside the Fisht Olympic Stadium during the ceremony, which lasted over two-and-a-half hours.

"Great job by Sochi2014 friends on amazing ceremony," Patrick Sandusky wrote on his Twitter page. "Perfect combination of new and old.Pop and classic. Love the swan lake and classic music."

The Sochi Games are said to have cost £30bn and are the most expensive in history.