Overview
- Greek rower Petros Gaidatzis was the first torchbearer, followed by Italy’s Stefania Belmondo and then two‑time Olympic luge champion Armin Zoeggeler.
- Zoeggeler called serving as a torchbearer an honor and described the experience as very emotional.
- IOC President Kirsty Coventry highlighted the Games’ role in uniting people and reaffirmed the importance of the Olympic Truce.
- The flame will be handed over at Athens’ Panathenaic Stadium on December 4, travel to Rome on December 5, and begin the Italian relay on December 6.
- The 63‑day Italian route will cover 12,000 km across all 20 regions with over 10,000 torchbearers, reaching Alto Adige on January 27 and culminating in Milan for the February 6 Opening Ceremony.