The journey of the Olympic torch for the Paris Games kicked off on Tuesday at the historic site of Olympia in Greece, signaling the start of a symbolic journey leading up to the grand Opening Ceremony on July 26th.
Unfortunately, overcast skies thwarted the traditional lighting ceremony, where an actress embodies an ancient Greek priestess to kindle the silver torch using sunlight. Instead, organizers utilized a backup flame previously ignited during the final rehearsal the day before.
Stepping into the role of the first torchbearer was Greek rowing sensation Stefanos Ntouskos, a gold medalist from the Tokyo Olympics. Passing the torch to retired French swimmer Laure Manaudou, a decorated three-time medalist from the 2004 Athens Games, marked the initial exchange of the Olympic Flame.
Over the next 11 days, the flame will traverse Greece, making significant stops in Athens and the iconic Panathenaic Stadium, synonymous with the inaugural modern Olympics in 1896.
Following its Greek odyssey, the flame will set about on a maritime voyage across the Mediterranean aboard the Belem, a majestic three-masted ship evoking the spirit of ancient Greek epics. Its arrival at the Old Port of Marseille will herald the commencement of the French leg of the relay, spanning from May 8th to July 26th.
The relay across France will encompass a diverse route, including a journey to overseas territories such as French Guiana, Reunion, French Polynesia, Guadeloupe, and Martinique from June 8th to 17th.
During its sojourn in France, the flame will traverse more than 400 cities and towns across 64 territories, passing through iconic landmarks like the D-Day beaches, Mont Saint-Michel, the Palace of Versailles, Cannes, and Roland Garros. With over 10,000 individual torchbearers covering approximately 200 meters each, along with 3,000 participating in team relays, the relay promises to be a celebration of unity and spirit as it winds its way through the scenic landscapes and rich cultural heritage of France.