Olympic Flame for Milan–Cortina 2026 Lit in Olympia After Ceremony Moves Indoors
The torch now starts a Greek leg before a nationwide Italian tour to spotlight UNESCO sites and sustainability.
Overview
- Rain made the traditional Temple of Hera sun-lighting impossible, so the ceremony was held in the Archaeological Museum of Olympia.
- Greek actress Mary Mina presided over the ritual and presented the newly lit flame to the first torchbearer.
- Rower Petros Gkaidatzis began the relay after AJ Ginnis withdrew with an injury, followed by Italian greats Stefania Belmondo and Armin Zoggeler.
- Organisers unveiled the ‘Essenziale’ torch, a minimal-design piece made from recycled aluminum and brass that weighs 1,060 grams.
- The relay runs nine days in Greece with a Dec. 4 handover in Athens, then crosses Italy from Dec. 6 with 10,001 bearers over 63 days and 12,000 km, visiting UNESCO sites before the Feb. 6–22 Winter Games.