The Olympic flame for the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Games has been lit, formally launching the torch relay in a ceremony marked by severe weather and a visibly emotional International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry.
Heavy storms forced organizers to abandon the traditional outdoor setting at the Temple of Hera ruins, moving the ritual inside the Archaeological Museum of Olympia for the first time in recent history.
Mrs. Coventry, presiding over her first flame-lighting ceremony since assuming the IOC presidency, paused to wipe away tears during her address.
She spoke of the enduring power of Olympic ideals before High Priestess Mary Mina lit the torch and passed it to the first torchbearer, Greek rowing medalist Petros Gaidatzis.
"The Light of Olympia" was recited by actor Yiannis Stankoglou, following the Olympic Hymn performed by soprano Christina Poulitsi.
The event was attended by the President of the Hellenic Republic, Konstantinos Tasoulas.
Mr. Tasoulas was welcomed by Hellenic Olympic Committee President Isidoros Kouvelos and Mrs. Coventry.
The flame will now traverse Greece before being handed over to Italian organizers, beginning its journey to the opening ceremony in February 2026.