Olympic torch begins its journey from Greece to Paris

by Mick the Ram

The countdown to this summer’s Olympic Games in Paris has well and truly started after the traditional lighting of the torch took place at ancient Olympia, in Greece.

With now less than 100 days to go before the games commence, the flame will be carried by 10,000 torch bearers over a distance in excess of 3,000 miles, as it weaves its way to the French capital. 

Actress Mary Mina played the role of “high priestess” in keeping with the custom of the ceremony. Unfortunately, under cloudy skies, the sun’s rays were unable to ignite the torch and a back-up was required.

Greek Olympic rowing champion, Stefanos Ntouskos, took the torch on its opening leg as it initially is transferred around Greece.

After that, a ship will take it across the Mediterranean Sea and around mainland France, then on to the country’s overseas territories, before arriving back in time for the opening ceremony of the Games, in Paris, on 26 July, where it will illuminate arguably the world’s greatest sporting occasion.

Stunning setting

The fact that the torch could not be ignited in a parabolic mirror focusing on rays of sunlight, did not detract from the drama and beauty of the setting.

Fire was always regarded as sacred in Ancient Greece, and in the early Olympics a flame was permanently alight as a symbol of peace and friendship among nations.

Present day, it is used to light the first of a series of champagne-coloured relay torches that will be carried by athletes and volunteers over the next few months.

Crossing the Med

Initially it will travel around Greece over the next 10 days, leading up to its arrival in Athens on 26 April.

From there it will be handed over to the Paris 2024 organising committee, before departing for France on board the majestic three-masted ship, the “Belem”, with its landing destination being Marseille on 8 May.

Joining the tourists

Its tour of the mainland will see it pass through the likes of: Millau-Sète-Montpellier, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Bordeaux et le libournais, Pas-de-Calais and Calvados.

Additionally, it will be seen at many of the country’s popular tourist sites such as: the medieval city of Carcassonne, the châteaux of the Loire Valley and the Lascaux caves; as well as places of remembrance, such as the D-Day Landing Beaches and the Verdun Memorial.

Territories included

It will then cross the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans, as part of the “Oceans Relay” to reach six overseas territories: Guadeloupe, Guyana, Martinique, French Polynesia, New Caledonia and Reunion Island.

In total the Olympic Flame will visit 65 French regions and territories, culminating with the lighting of the Olympic flame at the Games’ opening ceremony on 26 July.