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Milan-Cortina Olympic Flame Lit in Olympia as Relay Begins Indoors

The ritual shifted to a museum interior to preserve the flame against bad weather.

Overview

  • Organizers used a flame kindled by sunlight at the Olympia ruins on Nov. 24 after forecasts forced the Nov. 26 rite indoors at the Archaeological Museum.
  • The Greek leg of the relay began with Paris 2024 rowing bronze medalist Petros Gaidatzis as the first torchbearer.
  • Italian cross-country great Stefania Belmondo joined the run, continuing a role she last held as the final torchbearer at Turin 2006.
  • IOC President Coventry said sport brings people together in a divided world during remarks at the ceremony.
  • After traversing Greece, the flame is scheduled to be handed over in Rome on Dec. 4 before touring Cortina d'Ampezzo and other sites en route to the Feb. 6 opening at Milan's San Siro.