The Olympic flame embarked on its momentous voyage to France aboard the Belem, setting sail from the Greek port of Piraeus after a memorable evening at the French embassy in Athens.
Amidst an atmosphere brimming with anticipation and sentiment, Tony Estanguet, the Paris Olympics chief organizer, expressed profound emotions before the ship’s departure. Reflecting on the significance of the occasion, Estanguet remarked on the remarkable synchronicity of the Belem’s launch, closely following the inaugural modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896.
Accompanied by the majestic trireme Olympias of the Greek Navy and a fleet of 25 sailing boats, the Belem bid farewell to Piraeus, drawing spectators who gathered to witness the historic moment. Observers, including Giorgos Kontopoulos and his children, eagerly awaited the departure, recognizing the profound connection between Greece and the birth of the Olympic ideal.
On the itinerary, the ship is slated to traverse the iconic Corinth Canal, a testament to 19th-century engineering prowess with French contributions. The Belem’s voyage will culminate in Marseille, a city steeped in ancient Greek heritage, on May 8th. In a ceremonial handover, Greece entrusted the Olympic flame for the 2024 Games to Estanguet, underscoring the enduring spirit of Olympic unity and cooperation.
As the torch passed into French hands, Estanguet articulated Paris’ commitment to hosting an extraordinary yet socially responsible Games. With a vision for inclusivity and societal impact, organizers aspire to leverage the global platform of the Olympics to address pressing contemporary challenges.
The final leg of the relay into the historic Panathenaic Stadium featured a symbolic journey, led by esteemed French athletes Gabriella Papadakis and Beatrice Hess, symbolizing the enduring spirit of athletic excellence and camaraderie.
