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Olympic Flame Lit in Olympia as MilanoCortina 2026 Torch Relay Begins

A December 4 handover in Athens sets up a 63‑day, 12,000‑kilometer tour across Italy.

Overview

  • The official lighting moved indoors to the Archaeological Museum of Olympia due to rain, after a rehearsal at the Temple of Hera had already produced the ritual flame using concentrated sunlight.
  • Greek bronze medalist Petros Gaidatzis carried the torch first, replacing initial pick Alexandros Ioannis Ginnis after an injury.
  • The Greek leg spans about a week and roughly 2,200 kilometers before the flame is handed to Italian organizers on December 4 at AthensPanathenaic Stadium.
  • Italy’s relay is planned to traverse all 20 regions, 110 provinces and about 300 municipalities, with stops announced for Rome and the archaeological site of Pompeii.
  • Organizers named Stefania Belmondo and Armin Zoeggeler among the first Italian torchbearers, as the flame is slated to reach Rome on December 6 and arrive in Milan the day before the February 6, 2026 opening.