Moving pictures in Greece.
The Olympic flame for the 2026 Winter Olympics (Milan and Cortina, February 6-22) is burning. The torch lighting ceremony took place at the Olympia Archaeological Museum (near Athens) this afternoon.
And it gets very emotional. IOC President Kirsty Coventry (42) fought back tears during her speech.
Coventry (including 2x Olympic gold medalist, most successful African Olympian ever) reminded guests: “These Games are held at a critical point in our history. In the divided world we live in today, these Games have a truly symbolic place.”
He demanded: “It is our duty and responsibility to ensure that athletes from around the world can gather peacefully and inspire the dreams and hopes of those watching around the world. This is the true Olympic spirit.”
During his appeal, Coventry appeared moved and admitted: “I shouldn’t get emotional, but this place is very special.”
He added: “The Olympic Games will always be there to tear down the walls that hold us back. The flame we light today carries not only the hopes of athletes, but also the dreams of everyone who believes in the power of sport.”
Since March this year, the Zimbabwean has served as IOC President and also Olympic chief – the first woman to hold the post.
Greek actress Mary Mina passed the flame on to the first torchbearer – rower Petros Gkaidatzis
The Olympic flame is usually lit at ancient sites, in the open air, using parabolic mirrors and sunlight. However, due to the weather forecast, today’s ceremony was moved to the archaeological museum. The ceremony used a fire that had been lit two days earlier in better weather conditions.
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With the help of thousands of runners, the flames are now spreading. First through various places in Greece to the Panathenaic Stadium (Athens, December 4), where the first modern Olympic Games took place in 1896.
There the torch will be handed over to organizers of the Winter Olympics in Italy. A large-scale torch relay will also be held in Italy, which will last until February 6 – the official opening day of the games.
