Olympic flame begins its weather-hit journey to Milan-Cortina 2026 • FRANCE 24 English

Key Concepts

• Olympic Flame Lighting Ceremony
• Torch Relay
• Milan Cortina Winter Olympics 2026
• International Olympic Committee (IOC)
• Symbolism of the Olympic Games
• Peaceful Assembly of Athletes
• Geographical Scope of Torch Relay
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Olympic Flame Lighting Ceremony and Initial Relay

The Olympic flame for the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics 2026 was lit by the sun's rays during a ceremony at Olympia, a tradition with a history exceeding 2,500 years. The ceremony was advanced to Monday, two days prior to the scheduled start, as a precautionary measure against anticipated adverse weather conditions. Following the lighting, the torch, protected from the elements, commenced its journey on Wednesday towards the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.

Significance and Symbolism of the Games

The president of the International Olympic Committee expressed profound emotion, stating, "This place is very special. And it's so special because in a divided world that we live in today, the games hold a truly symbolic place." She emphasized the responsibility of ensuring that athletes from all nations can convene peacefully, highlighting the Games' role in fostering unity amidst global divisions.

Torch Relay Route and Logistics

The Olympic flame is set to traverse a significant distance of nearly 12,000 kilometers. The initial leg of the relay will take place within Greek territory, culminating in a handover ceremony scheduled for next Thursday in Athens. Subsequently, the relay will transition to Italy, commencing in Rome two days after the Athens handover.

In Italy, the torch will journey through all Italian provinces, encompassing 60 cities, 300 towns, and 20 regions. A notable aspect of the Italian route is its inclusion of all UNESCO World Heritage sites. The relay will span the country from its northern peaks to its southern shores, carried by 10,01 torchbearers.

Final Destination and Opening Ceremony

The Olympic Flame's journey will include a stop at Cortina on January 26th. Its final destination will be Milan, where it will arrive at the Sansiro Stadium. This stadium is designated as the venue for the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games, scheduled for February 6th.

Synthesis and Conclusion

The Olympic flame lighting ceremony at Olympia, a time-honored tradition, marked the commencement of the torch relay for the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The relay's extensive route, covering 12,000 kilometers across Greece and Italy, including all Italian provinces, numerous cities and towns, 20 regions, and all UNESCO World Heritage sites, underscores the global reach and unifying spirit of the Olympic Games. The event is imbued with significant symbolic meaning, particularly in its aim to facilitate peaceful assembly of athletes from around the world in a divided global landscape. The journey will conclude at Milan's Sansiro Stadium for the opening ceremony on February 6th, 2026.