Olympic Flame Lit in Greece, Marking Start of Paris 2024 Torch Relay

The Olympic flame for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games was lit on Friday at the ancient site of Olympia in Greece, despite cloudy skies preventing the traditional lighting ceremony. Organizers resorted to using a backup flame from the previous day's rehearsal to ignite the torch that will carry the Olympic message of peace and unity on a journey across Greece and France.

The lighting ceremony, attended by thousands of spectators, was presided over by International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach. In his speech, Bach praised the Paris organizers for their environmental efforts and commitment to hosting a sustainable Games. The flame will now begin a relay across Greece, carried by over 600 torchbearers covering a distance of 5,000 kilometers in 11 days.

On April 26, the flame will be handed over to the Paris Olympic organizers in Athens, the venue of the first modern Olympics in 1896. From there, it will embark on a voyage to the French port city of Marseille, arriving on the sailing ship Belem on May 8. The torch relay, sponsored by Coca-Cola, Banque Populaire, and Caisse d'Epargne, is expected to be a unifying and festive event, with the flame visiting 50 French towns and cities before reaching Paris.

The Paris 2024 Organizing Committee has announced the appointment of three-time Olympic swimming medalist Laure Manaudou as the first French torchbearer on Greek soil. Manaudou expressed her pride and honor in being chosen for this symbolic role, stating, "It is a great honor to be the first French torchbearer for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The Olympic flame represents the values of peace, unity, and friendship, and I am thrilled to be a part of this historic moment."

Why this matters: The lighting of the Olympic flame and the subsequent torch relay mark the official countdown to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The event not only symbolizes the spirit of the Olympics but also showcases the host country's culture and heritage to a global audience.

The Olympic flame is expected to reach the cauldron in Paris on July 26, where it will remain lit until the Closing Ceremony two weeks later. The French capital has promised a lavish and innovative Games, with the Opening Ceremony planned to be held outside of a stadium setting for the first time in Olympic history. Despite security concerns prompting a reduction in attendance capacity, organizers remain committed to delivering a memorable and inclusive Olympic experience for athletes and spectators alike.

Key Takeaways

• Olympic flame lit in Olympia, Greece, for Paris 2024 Games.
• Flame to be carried by 600+ torchbearers across Greece and France.
• Laure Manaudou, French swimmer, to be first French torchbearer.
• Flame to reach Paris on July 26, remain lit until Closing Ceremony.
• Paris 2024 to feature innovative Opening Ceremony outside stadium.