On Tuesday, April 16th, the Olympic flame ignited with grandeur at the historic site of Olympia, where the ancient Olympic Games were born. Amidst a special ceremony, the flame came to life in front of the majestic ruins of the temple of Hera. Portrayed by an actress embodying the role, the high priestess performed the ritual, bridging the modern Olympics with its ancient roots.
Among the esteemed guests were Thomas Bach, the President of the International Olympic Committee, and Tony Estanguet, President of Paris 2024. This event marked the beginning of the flame’s epic journey from Greece to Paris. Its final destination: the grand stage of the Opening Ceremony for the Olympic Games Paris 2024, scheduled for July 26th.
🔥 The Olympic flame for #Paris2024 is lit!#Paris2024 | @Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/1odw4ga9G0
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) April 16, 2024
Before the lighting ceremony, President Estanguet shared Paris 2024’s commitment to stewarding the Olympic flame:
“As organizers, our duty is to nurture and spread this flame, both within our nation and across the globe. A century since France last hosted the summer Games, our people will proudly welcome the 33rd Olympiad.”
Drawing on his personal Olympic triumphs in canoe slalom, President Estanguet added “In line with the International Olympic Committee’s Agenda 2020, we’re not only aiming for a spectacular Paris 2024 Games but also prioritizing environmental responsibility to tackle the challenge of our era: climate change.
“Together, we’ll deliver remarkable Games, starting today with the launch of the Olympic Torch Relay, traversing France from Marseille to Paris!”
When President Bach stepped onto the stage, he emphasized the unifying power of the Olympic Games, echoing their historic role in bringing together ancient Greek city-states, even amidst conflicts. He highlighted that today, the Olympics stand as a unique platform for peaceful competition, demonstrating that fierce rivalry can coexist with harmony.
President Bach underlined the message conveyed by Olympic athletes: the possibility of intense competition alongside peaceful coexistence. Through their remarkable performances, athletes showcase the best of human potential—excellence, determination, and resilience.
The Olympic flame as a symbol of hope for a brighter future
He portrayed the Olympic flame as a symbol of hope for a brighter future, carrying the Olympic spirit from its ancient origins through France to illuminate Paris, the City of Light, even more brightly. President Bach expressed his pride in the upcoming Paris 2024 Games, which will embody the Olympic Agenda reforms, ensuring they are more youthful, inclusive, urban, and sustainable. Notably, these Games will mark a milestone with full gender parity, as exactly half of the quota places are allocated to female athletes, a first in Olympic history.
As the ceremony unfolded, Greek actress Mary Mina stepped forward in her role as the High Priestess, carrying the sacred flame. With solemn grace, she passed it to the first torchbearer, Greek athlete Stefanos Ntouskos, renowned for his gold medal triumph in the men’s single sculls at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
With the flame in his grasp, Ntouskos embarked on a symbolic journey, first paying homage at the monument to Pierre de Coubertin, the visionary behind the modern Olympic movement.
Next in line was the esteemed French swimmer Laure Manaudou, a three-time Olympic medalist, who received the flame from Ntouskos. With determination etched on her face, Manaudou set forth on her leg of the relay.
Awaiting her was Margaritis Schinas, vice-president of the European Commission, ready to continue the journey with the flame in hand. The flame’s odyssey now begins an 11-day voyage across Greece, entrusted to the hands of over 550 torchbearers. Each step will carry it closer to its final destination: the historic Panathenaic Stadium, where it will be passed on in a ceremonial exchange, marking the transition to the next phase of its journey.
On Friday, April 26th, the Olympic flame will make its triumphant return to Athens, heralding the eagerly anticipated handover ceremony to the Paris 2024 organizing committee at the iconic Panathenaic Stadium. The festivities will kick off at 18:30 CEST, marking a momentous occasion in Olympic history.
After the ceremonious proceedings, the flame will find rest for the night at the French Embassy in Athens, preparing for the next leg of its journey. The following day, the flame will embark on a majestic voyage aboard the Belem, a renowned three-masted ship with a storied history dating back to 1896. Its destination: Marseille, France, where it will arrive amidst jubilant celebrations on May 8th, welcomed by throngs of excited onlookers.
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