The ceremonial lighting of the Olympic flame for the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina in 2026 took place on November 26 in Olympia. This was reported on the website of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
In the sacred site of ancient Olympia, where the Games began nearly three thousand years ago, the ceremony to ignite the Olympic flame took place, symbolizing the start of every Olympic journey.
Before the Temple of Hera, the priestess, played by actress Mary Mina, called upon the god Apollo to send his light. Using a parabolic mirror to catch the sun's rays, she ignited the flame - a symbol of purity, peace, and the eternity of the Olympic spirit.
The flame was then placed in a vessel and transported to the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, where it lit the torch for the first torchbearer.
This year, the honor went to Greek Olympic medalist, rower Petros Gaidatzis, who won a bronze medal in the men's double sculls at Paris 2024.
The Winter Olympics in 2026 will be held in the Italian cities of Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo.