On Tuesday, the flame for the Paris Olympics was ignited at the historic Greek site of Olympia, marking the start of its journey to the Games. Due to cloudy skies, a backup flame was used instead of the traditional sun-assisted lighting. Despite the change in plans, the event drew thousands of spectators to witness this symbolic moment.
The torch will travel through Greece over a 5,000-kilometre route before reaching Athens for the official handover to the Paris Games organisers on April 26. IOC President Thomas Bach has stressed that this relay is a link to the historic Olympic tradition and a symbol of hope and unity that is especially important in these unsettling times.
The torchbearers include notable athletes like Greek rower Stefanos Douskos and French swimmer Laure Manaudou. While there is praise for the Paris organisers’ preparations and environmental initiatives, there’s also controversy surrounding the decision to offer prize money to gold medalists, seen by some as conflicting with Olympic values.
Following the lighting ceremony, the Olympic flame embarked on its journey to Marseille aboard the historic French sailing ship, the Belem, arriving on May 8.
