The Paris 2024 Olympic flame was kindled in Olympia, Greece, on Tuesday, igniting a beacon of unity and hope in a ceremony steeped in ancient tradition.
International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach reflected on the unifying power of the Games, which historically brought together Greek city-states and now unite the world in peaceful competition.
Due to overcast skies, the flame was lit using a backup from the previous day’s rehearsal at the Temple of Hera, dating back to 776 BC.
Greek actress Mary Mina, embodying an ancient priestess, passed the flame to the inaugural torchbearer, Olympic rowing gold medalist Stefanos Ntouskos. Following him was France’s first torchbearer, former Olympic swimming champion Laure Manaudou.
Officials highlighted the Paris Games’ commitment to inclusivity and sustainability, aiming to be a youthful, urban, and gender-equal event, with the IOC ensuring an equal number of male and female athletes.
The ceremony, attended by dignitaries including Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, marked a return to pre-pandemic grandeur, complete with a performance of the Olympic anthem by American mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato.
The flame will embark on an 11-day journey across Greece, carried by 600 torchbearers, before being transferred to Paris organizers at the Panathenaic Stadium on April 26. Greek singing legend Nana Mouskouri is set to perform at the handover.
The flame’s voyage to France will commence aboard the historic Belem ship, arriving in Marseille on May 8. It will then traverse 64 French territories, covering 12,000 kilometers, before featuring in the opening ceremony on the Seine River on July 26.
French President Emmanuel Macron has stated that, if necessary for security reasons, the ceremony could be relocated to the Trocadero or the Stade de France.
Reported By AFP.
