Kiwi takes selfie on world's stage

Auckland swimmer Gabrielle Fa'amausili has taken a selfie that rivals that of Ellen Degeneres' star-studded Oscar photograph.

While Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie might not be involved, 14-year-old Fa'amausili's selfie was taken during the opening ceremony of the Youth Olympics in Nanjing, China.

It was instigated by Thomas Bach, the president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), who interrupted his own speech to invite five young athletes on stage to pose for a photo with him.

As the president of the world's most populated country watched on, six outstretched arms snapped a photo of themselves at the lectern with the president.

"This is your moment," Bach said on Saturday night.

"So young athletes, please join me. Get your smartphones out and let's take a selfie."

It was the second honour to befall the junior world 50m backstroke champion, who was also New Zealand's flag bearer at the ceremony.

In a departure from the senior Olympics, only flag bearers march in the Youth Olympics opening ceremony.

New Zealand Olympic Committee spokeswoman Olivia Burne said they're happy a Kiwi athlete was selected to be a part of the photograph.

"Gabrielle being selected to go on stage to take a selfie was an amazing opportunity for her to represent New Zealand," she told NZ Newswire.

"It's a really fun way to get the athletes involved, and is a fantastic way for New Zealand to get some extra exposure."