Torch and sandals: What to know about the flame
ANCIENT OLYMPIA, Greece (AP) — A priestess prays to a dead sun god in front of a fallen Greek temple. If the sky is clear, a flame spurts that will burn in Paris throughout the world’s top sporting event. Speeches ensue.
On Tuesday, the flame for this summer’s Paris Olympics will be lit at the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games in southern Greece in a meticulously choreographed ceremony.
It will then be carried through Greece for more than 5,000 kilometers (3,100 miles) before being handed over to French organizers at the Athens venue used for the first modern Olympics in 1896.
Here’s a look at the workings and meaning of the elaborate ceremony held among the ruins of Ancient Olympia ahead of each modern Olympiad.
COULDN’T THE FRENCH JUST LIGHT IT IN PARIS?
Couldn’t the Academy Awards just be announced in a conference call?
The pageantry at Olympia has been an essential part of every Olympics for nearly 90 years since the Games in Berlin. It’s meant to provide an ineluctable link between the modern event and the ancient Greek original on which it was initially modelled.
Related articles
- Olivia Newton-John and her sister Rona Newton-John had a difficult relationship, Rona's son has clai2024-05-08
WADA labels accusations 'politically motivated'
The World Anti-Doping Agency has hit back media accusations that it helped cover up a 2021 contamina2024-05-08Boxer Ryan Garcia denies using performance
NEW YORK (AP) — Ryan Garcia denied using performance-enhancing drugs in a video posted on social med2024-05-08WNBA veteran Diana Taurasi calls out 'sensitive' Caitlin Clark fans after online backlash
WNBA veteran Diana Taurasi has called out Caitlin Clark fans for being too 'sensitive' after she was2024-05-08Shocking moment Pennsylvania man pulls a gun on pastor in front of horrified congregation
A church service in Pennsylvania nearly took a fatal turn this week when a man pulled a gun on a pas2024-05-08Mets SS Lindor exits after 2 innings due to flu
NEW YORK (AP) — Francisco Lindor left the New York Mets’ game against the Chicago Cubs after the sec2024-05-08
atest comment