The Olympic flame for the Milan Cortina Winter Games was officially presented to Italian organizers on Thursday in Athens. The ceremony took place at the Panathenaic Stadium, a site steeped in history as it hosted the first modern Olympics nearly 130 years ago.
Relay Journey and Ceremony Details
From Athens, the flame will embark on a lengthy journey to Italy. It will cover 12,000 kilometers over a span of 63 days, traveling through all 110 Italian provinces. The relay will culminate at San Siro Stadium in Milan for the opening ceremony scheduled on February 6, 2026.
Historic Significance and Participants
This marks the first time Italy will host the Olympic flame in 20 years. Giovanni Malago, president of the Milan Cortina organizing committee, expressed pride in receiving the flame. He remarked on the honor of carrying such a significant symbol home.
- Presentation Date: Thursday
- Opening Ceremony: February 6, 2026
- Total Duration of Relay: 63 days
- Distance: 12,000 kilometers
- Number of Torchbearers: 10,000
Ceremony Highlights
Severe rainstorms in Athens reduced expected attendance and led to a shorter ceremony. Despite concerns, the rain held off, allowing a small audience to enjoy performances by Greek and Italian artists, alongside a children’s choir.
The flame was lit on November 26 in Ancient Olympia using a reflective mirror, showcasing the traditional methods that honor the origins of the Olympic spirit. Water polo player Elena Xenaki carried the flame into the Panathenaic Stadium, where it was received by the Greek women’s national water polo team.
Historical Context of the Olympic Flame
The concept of the Olympic flame dates back to the collaboration between Greece and Germany ahead of the 1936 Berlin Olympics. This revered tradition provides inspiration and continuity through the modern Olympic movement.
As the Milan Cortina Winter Games approach, preparations have encountered challenges, including budget overruns and construction delays. The Games will feature 116 medal events, introduce ski mountaineering, and highlight the return of NHL athletes to ice hockey, alongside increasing female participation.
Future Events
In a parallel event, a separate flame for the Winter Paralympics will be ignited on February 24, 2026, at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in England, a significant site in the history of the Paralympic movement.
As excitement builds for the upcoming Games, the Olympic flame serves as a symbol of unity and the enduring spirit of competition.
