As one of the most talented athletes in the world, Kobe Bryant is rarely in awe of his surroundings.

However, he was on Friday night during the opening ceremony for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, according to The Los Angeles Times.

"First time ever," Bryant said of the goose bumps that swam over his body during the ceremony.

"This has a greater significance than anything I've ever been part of," he added.