Overview
- Greek rower Petros Gaidatzis received the flame as the first torchbearer at the ceremony in ancient Olympia.
- Italian champion Stefania Belmondo joined Gaidatzis to start the relay before handing off to luger Armin Zoggeler as the third carrier.
- Organizers said the relay reaches Alto Adige on January 27, starting in San Vito di Cadore and arriving in the Province of Bolzano the same day.
- The torch weighs 1,060 grams and was presented with an olive branch symbolizing peace as part of the ritual.
- Belmondo and Gaidatzis also paid respects at the stele marking where Pierre de Coubertin’s heart is interred, underscoring the Games’ link to their modern founder.