The flame destined to burn at the upcoming Paris Olympics was ignited on Tuesday at the historic site of the ancient games in southern Greece. Due to overcast skies, a backup flame was used instead of the traditional lighting method involving a priestess and a sunlit torch. The flame was kindled during the final rehearsal the day before.
Typically, a priestess dressed in ancient Greek attire offers a prayer to Apollo, the sun god, before using a parabolic mirror to ignite the torch. However, this time the backup flame, stored in a replica of an ancient Greek pot, was used directly.
The flame will embark on a relay journey of over 5,000 kilometers through Greece, culminating in a handover to Paris Games organizers in Athens on April 26. The event at Olympia attracted thousands of spectators from around the world, set against the backdrop of the ancient stadium and temples.
The first torchbearer, Greek rower Stefanos Douskos, a gold medalist from the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, commenced the relay. The flame will be carried by notable athletes and officials, including French swimmer Laure Manaudou and Greek EU official Margaritis Schinas.
The flame will travel to Marseille, France, aboard the historic French sailing ship Belem, built in 1896. The ship, which arrived in Katakolo near Olympia, drew the attention of tourists, including a group from Brittany waving French and Breton flags.
While some enthusiasts expressed interest in witnessing the Paris Games in person, logistical constraints led them to opt for watching the events from home. The Belem is scheduled to arrive in Marseille on May 8, marking a significant moment in the journey of the Olympic flame.
