On November 26, the ceremonial lighting of the Olympic flame for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo took place in Olympia. This significant event was reported by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
In accordance with ancient tradition, the ceremony was held in the sacred site where the Olympic Games began over three millennia ago. Before the Temple of Hera, a priestess played by actress Mary Mina prayed to Apollo for light. Using a parabolic mirror to catch the sun's rays, she ignited the flame, symbolizing purity, peace, and the everlasting spirit of the Olympics.
The flame was then placed in a vessel and transported to the Archaeological Museum of Olympia, where it was used to light the torch of the first torchbearer.
This year, the honor of carrying the flame went to Greek Olympic medalist and rower Petros Gaidatzis, who won a bronze medal in the men's double sculls category at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The 2026 Winter Olympics will be held in the Italian cities of Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo.