Olympic Flame Ignited in Ancient Olympia as Milano Cortina 2026 Torch Relay Kicks Off

 

Olympic Flame Ignited in Ancient Olympia as Milano Cortina 2026 Torch Relay Kicks Off

The Olympic flame for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games was officially lit today in Ancient Olympia, Greece, the historic birthplace of the Olympic movement. The traditional ceremony marked the start of the long Olympic Torch Relay journey toward Italy, where the Games will open on 6 February 2026.

The symbolic flame will arrive in Italy on 4 December, passing through major cities including Rome on 5 December, before beginning its nationwide relay across the country on 6 December.

Historic Ceremony in Olympia

The flame-lighting ceremony took place at the Archaeological Museum of Olympia and was hosted by Isidoros Kouvelos, President of the Hellenic Olympic Committee. The event welcomed several prominent dignitaries, including IOC President Kirsty Coventry and Greece’s President Constantine An. Tassoulas, highlighting the global importance of the occasion.

Due to anticipated wet weather, the Olympic flame was lit in advance during a rehearsal using the sun’s rays, preserving the purity and tradition of the centuries-old ritual. During the official ceremony, this flame was transferred to the official Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic torch.

Torch Relay Begins

Greek Olympic bronze medalist in rowing, Petros Gkaidatzis (Paris 2024), became the first torchbearer of the relay, officially launching the Greek leg of the journey. He was later joined by Italy’s first torchbearer, two-time Olympic champion Stefania Belmondo, symbolizing unity between the host nations.

Belmondo then passed the flame to fellow Italian and double Olympic champion Armin Zoeggeler, continuing the ceremonial handover between legendary athletes.

As the flame begins its journey across borders and cultures, it carries the Olympic values of peace, unity, and sporting excellence, building anticipation for what promises to be a spectacular Winter Games in Milano and Cortina d’Ampezzo.