Story highlights First-time competitors, first-time golds, and first-time recognitions are bright spotsChanges to Olympic presentations and representations reflect an evolving world(CNN) The Rio Olympics have been mired in controversy and doubt, but as the competition unfolds, it's clear the Games will also be remembered for their firsts. The citizens of Fiji and Kosovo saw their countries medal for the first time -- in gold for both, to boot. For American audiences, these Olympics marked the first time a U.S. athlete competed wearing a hijab. These religious, cultural and geographic inclusions are all signs of a changing world. It seems odd to talk about the expansion of diversity and compassion at an event that is billed as a global celebration of diversity and compassion.

Source: CNN August 13, 2016 03:11 UTC