Elena Delle Donne's Rio 2016 Opening Ceremony Photo Diary

The star gives us an exclusive look on getting glam for the kickoff night
By Alex Apatoff
Updated August 08, 2016 10:48 AM

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Sweet Snap

Credit: Courtesy Elena Delle Donne

The Olympian is psyched to be in Rio, but sad to leave her beloved Great Dane Wrigley behind. “One of my friends from Delaware flew in to babysit him for me while I’m in Rio since I knew he’d be a mess without me for a month, so he really needs to stay in his element.”

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Puppy Love

Credit: Courtesy Elena Delle Donne

The Olympian shared a sweet shot of her much-missed buddy!

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Home Court Advantage

Credit: Courtesy Elena Delle Donne

In addition to playing for the Chicago Sky and, you know, competing in the Olympics, Elena has a furniture business, Delle Donne Designs. “Getting behind on orders at the moment! Luckily all of the customers have been amazing at knowing that I’ve sort of got something going on this month and they’re fine with the business being on hold. When I’m back, we’re really going to have to get after the business.”

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Sneaker Superstition

Credit: Courtesy Elena Delle Donne

Whenever you see her on the court this summer, you'll know she participated in her pre-game ritual first. “So, I’m a little bit superstitious for games. Something that I do before every game is put on my right shoe first before my left, and then I tie my right shoe first just to get off on the right start.”

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All Smiles

Credit: Courtesy Elena Delle Donne

The star shares a snap before getting prepping for the opening ceremonies. She's had a pretty big summer - in June, she got engaged to girlfriend Amanda Clifton. “I didn’t bring my actual engagement ring to Rio because I’m going to be on the move so much and playing a lot of games. I actually brought the Qalo ring – its rubber and it’s used when working out, so that’s my ring for the month!”

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Do the Twist

Credit: Courtesy Elena Delle Donne

For her opening ceremony look, the athlete opted for Pantene's "Go for the Gold" waterfall braid at the P&G Olympic Village Salon. And though she says her everyday look (a messy bun) is much less involved, she still swears by the brand's Airspray to keep everything in place on the court.

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See Spray

Credit: Courtesy Elena Delle Donne

Says Gabriel Samra, her stylist for the night, "It was such an honor to be able to help Elena get ready for her big night at Opening Ceremony with Team U.S.A. I love how the waterfall brad look complemented her outfit – the braid is the perfect, classic trend to complement the clean, patriotic look while the flowing beach waves provide a modern twist."

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Lucky Charm

Credit: Courtesy Elena Della Donne

Elena shows off two sentimental pieces of jewelry -- a necklace and her makeshift engagement ring. “I wore a pearl necklace that my Grammy gave me before she passed away this year. The pearls have been passed down from generation to generation and she asked me to wear them in the opening ceremony if I ever got a chance. Definitely a very special piece for me.”

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Ready to Go

Credit: Courtesy Elena Delle Donne

The star snapped one more shot in her Ralph Lauren finery before heading to the stadium. "I’m very honored to be walking in the opening ceremony and was able to tie in my entire hair and makeup look to my outfit. It’s all so beautiful, I feel great and am excited to walk now.”

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By Alex Apatoff