The sacred flame for the Paris 2024 Olympics was ignited in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony that paid homage to antiquity and conveyed messages of hope amidst global challenges.
“In ancient times, the Olympic Games united the Greek city-states, even during periods of war,” remarked International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach.
“Today, the Olympic Games remain a beacon of peace, demonstrating that fierce competition can coexist with harmony.”
Due to overcast skies, Greek actresses portraying ancient priestesses utilized a flame kindled during a rehearsal at the 2,600-year-old Temple of Hera.
The torch was then passed to Greek actress Mary Mina, who ignited it for the first bearer, 2020 Olympic rowing champion Stefanos Ntouskos.
Retired French swimmer Laure Manaudou, the first French torchbearer, followed suit. Officials highlighted that the Paris Games will pioneer new standards, aligning with the legacy of previous Olympics hosted in the French capital.
“These Olympics will embody our Olympic Agenda reforms,” Bach affirmed, emphasizing their focus on youth, inclusivity, urbanity, and sustainability.
Notably, gender parity will be fully realized, with 50 percent of athlete slots allocated to women and men.
Paris Olympics chief organizer Tony Estanguet underscored the historical significance, noting milestones such as women’s participation in the Paris 1900 Games and the inaugural Olympic Village for the 2024 event.
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the ceremony marked a return to full-scale events, with dignitaries including Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou, French Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera, and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo in attendance.
The torch relay across Greece, covering 5,000 kilometers and involving 600 torchbearers, will culminate in a handover ceremony at the Panathenaic Stadium on April 26.
Greek singer Nana Mouskouri, aged 89, is set to perform during the event. Subsequently, the flame will embark on its journey to France aboard the historic three-masted barque Belem, reaching Marseille on May 8.
Over 10,000 torchbearers will traverse 12,000 kilometers across mainland France and overseas territories, including the Caribbean, Indian Ocean, and Pacific.
The flame’s final destination will be the Paris Olympics opening ceremony on July 26, which is planned to be held along the Seine River, deviating from tradition by not taking place in the main stadium.
However, French President Emmanuel Macron stated a contingency plan to relocate the ceremony to the national stadium in case of security concerns, potentially limiting it to the Trocadero or the Stade de France.
