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2h ago

Olympic Flame Lit for Milan–Cortina 2026 as Torch Relay Begins Indoors in Olympia

Moved indoors by poor forecasts, the handover showcased IOC president Kirsty Coventry’s unity-focused message before the Greek leg then the transfer to Italy.

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Eine Schauspielerin in der Rolle der Hohepriesterin entzündet die olympische Fackel.
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Overview

  • Greek rower Petros Gaidatzis received the flame as the first torchbearer during the museum ceremony in Olympia.
  • The flame was ignited two days earlier at the ancient site using sunlight and a parabolic mirror, with video showing actress Mary Mina in the high priestess role.
  • The route now takes the torch through Greece, including the Acropolis on December 3, before a handover at Athens’ Panathinaikon Stadium on December 4.
  • Italy’s 60‑day relay is scheduled to start from Rome on December 6 with stops in Sicily, Sardinia and Pompeii on the way to the February 6, 2026 opening.
  • A planned 10,001 torchbearers will carry the 1,060‑gram torch, as Kirsty Coventry’s first flame ceremony as IOC president set a values-driven tone for the Games.