In a symbolic ceremony at Athens’ Panathenaic Stadium, otherwise known as the Kalimarmaro, where the first modern Olympics took place in 1896, the Olympic Flame was ignited, signifying the commencement of the countdown to the Gangwon 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games.
The event, held on Tuesday was open to spectators for the first time since the pandemic.
Orchestrated by Alexis Kostalas, who has served as master of ceremonies since 2004, the ceremony featured a dance performance by the high priestess and priestesses from the Temple of Hera in Olympia, choreographed by Artemis Ignatiou.
Using a parabolic mirror to harness sunlight, the high priestess, portrayed by Xianthi Georgiou, ignited the Flame.
It was then passed to the first torchbearer, Greek cross-country skier and biathlete Maria Belli.
Subsequently, the Flame was passed among torchbearers, including Korean figure skater Kim Hyun-gyeom, Greek alpine skier Apostolos Vougioukas, and Korean moguls skier Yun Shin-ee, in a relay within the stadium.
The Flame was secured in a safety lamp for its journey to South Korea, with Spyros Capralos, President of the Greek Olympic Committee, handing it over to Jin Jong-oh, co-president of the Gangwon 2024 Organising Committee.
During his address, Capralos paid tribute to former IOC President Jacques Rogge, recognising his contributions to the Youth Olympics.
Jin Jong-oh, a four-time shooting gold medallist and a prominent Korean Olympian, expressed the Flame’s significance as a symbol of friendship, excellence, and respect, as it travels throughout South Korea, inspiring youth and local communities and nurturing aspiring athletes.
Following the ceremony, a three-month torch relay will commence, spanning 23 cities, leading up to the Gangwon 2024.
