The journey toward the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics officially began on Monday as the sacred Olympic flame was kindled in Ancient Olympia, Greece. This historic ceremony marks the start of an extensive torch relay that will traverse Italy before culminating at the Games' opening in February 2026.
Ceremony Details and Distinguished Participants
The lighting ceremony took place at the Archaeological Museum of Olympia under the leadership of Isidoros Kouvelos, president of the Hellenic Olympic Committee. The event gathered numerous dignitaries, including IOC President Kirsty Coventry and Greek President Constantine An Tassoulas.
Due to anticipated rainfall, organizers employed a practical solution - the flame was lit using sunlight during a rehearsal session and subsequently transferred to the official torch for the main ceremony. This ensured the tradition continued uninterrupted despite weather challenges.
The honor of being the first Greek torchbearer went to Petros Gkaidatzis, a bronze medallist in rowing from the recent Paris 2024 Olympics. He shared this memorable run with Stefania Belmondo, an Italian two-time Olympic champion in cross-country skiing. In a symbolic passing of the flame between nations, Belmondo then handed the torch to Armin Zoeggeler, another Italian double Olympic gold medallist.
Powerful Message from Olympic Leadership
IOC President Kirsty Coventry delivered an inspiring address that resonated with the ceremony's significance. "We are extremely happy that today's ceremony reminds us what the Games stand for," she stated. "They are about bringing people together in peaceful competition, in friendship, and in respect."
Coventry emphasized the flame's symbolic journey from past to future, highlighting the importance of the Olympic Truce concept. "In laying down our differences and wanting to hope for a brighter future," she explained, underscoring the Games' role in promoting unity.
Her speech took on particular relevance given current global circumstances. "These Games come at a critical point in our history," Coventry noted. "In a divided world that we live in today, the Games hold a truly symbolic place. And it's our duty, our responsibility, to ensure that athletes from around the world can come together peacefully."
The IOC President concluded with a reflection on sport's unifying power: "The power of sport unites us, and it inspires us. It also reminds us that every Olympic Games is part of a living tradition, connecting generations, cultures, and people across various generations."
The Historic Journey Ahead
The torch relay, ambitiously named "The Greatest Journey," promises to showcase Italy's rich cultural heritage over 63 days. The route spans an impressive 12,000 kilometres across all 20 Italian regions and 110 provinces, featuring 60 UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the way.
In a significant environmental innovation, the torch utilizes bioLPG fuel created from recycled cooking oil. Each torch can be refilled up to 10 times, substantially reducing waste and supporting the Games' sustainability objectives.
The flame's immediate itinerary includes traveling through Greece to Athens for the official handover ceremony scheduled for December 4 at the Panathenaic Stadium. It will arrive in Rome on December 5, with the Italian leg of the relay commencing on December 6.
This tradition of lighting the Olympic flame in Olympia dates back to 1936 for the Summer Games, while the Winter Games adopted the practice in 1964 for the Innsbruck Olympics. As Italy prepares to host the Winter Games from February 6 to 22, 2026, this ceremony reaffirms the enduring Olympic values of peace, unity, and international cooperation.
