The flame that will illuminate the Paris Olympics was ignited Tuesday at the historic site of the ancient games in Olympia, Greece, despite cloudy skies hindering the traditional lighting ceremony. The ceremony typically involves an actress dressed as an ancient Greek priestess using a parabolic mirror to ignite a torch, symbolically praying to Apollo, the ancient Greek sun god. However, due to the overcast weather, a backup flame from the previous day’s rehearsal was used instead.
The flame will now embark on a 5,000-kilometer (3,100-mile) journey through Greece, including several islands, before being handed over to Paris Games organizers in Athens on April 26. Thousands of spectators from around the world gathered at Olympia to witness the event, surrounded by the ancient temples and sports grounds that once hosted the ancient games.
Greek authorities maintained tight security around Olympia following protests during the lighting ceremonies for the Beijing summer and winter games. The first torchbearer was Greek rower Stefanos Douskos, followed by French swimmer Laure Manaudou and senior EU official Margaritis Schinas. The IOC praised Paris organizers for their preparations, emphasizing the environmental impact, including cleanup efforts in the River Seine.
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However, IOC politics briefly surfaced in Olympia, with criticism directed at track and field leader Sebastian Coe for promising prize money to gold medalists in Paris, a departure from Olympic tradition. International Cycling Union President David Lappartient expressed concern over the decision, stating it may limit opportunities for athletes worldwide.
From Greece, the Olympic flame will travel to Marseille, France, aboard the Belem, a French sailing ship built in 1896. The ship arrived in Katakolo, near Olympia, on Monday, where tourists, including a group from Brittany, France, had the opportunity to witness the flame lighting.
Despite the enthusiasm, some, like Jean-Michel Pasquet from Lorient, expressed that attending the Paris Games in person would be too costly, opting to watch from home instead.
