London (CNN) -- It may not have been the most dramatic of moments, but it was certainly an important one: Two women, modestly dressed and veiled, walked proudly alongside the flag of their nation Saudi Arabia into London's Olympic stadium at the Games' spectacular opening ceremony. This understated entrance marked an extraordinary moment for the kingdom and for the Olympics itself, as the first occasion in the history of the Games when all countries participating have had women athletes in their teams. The achievement was welcomed by those at the highest echelons of sport, with Jacques Rogge, head of the International Olympic Committee, noting with pride in his speech at the opening ceremony that it was "a major boost for gender equality."
@highlight
London 2012 is the first Olympics to feature women in every national team
@highlight
IOC chief Jacques Rogge hails "major boost for gender equality"
@highlight
Saudi Judoka Wojdan Shaherkani says taking part "opportunity of lifetime"
@highlight
Women's boxing included as an Olympic discipline for the first time at London Games
Judo player Wojdan Shaherkani finally competed after a row over her headscarf ended in compromise with @placeholder authorities.