🚀 It's official: the journey to the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics has ignited! 🔥
At high noon on Tuesday, in the historic ruins of the Temple of Hera in Olympia, Greece, the first torch for the upcoming Olympic Games was lit, marking the start of an epic adventure. 🇬🇷➡️🇫🇷
Greek actress Mary Mina, embodying the role of an ancient high priestess, performed the ceremonial kindling of the flame. She passed the torch to Stefanos Ntouskos, a competitive rower and Olympic gold medalist, symbolizing the handover of the Olympic spirit. 🏛️✨
Normally, the flame is lit using the sun's rays, focusing them through a concave mirror to ignite the torch—a nod to ancient traditions. But Mother Nature had other plans this year! ☁️☔ Due to overcast skies, Mina used a backup flame to ensure the ceremony went off without a hitch. Talk about keeping the fire alive! 🔥🙌
And just like that, \"Paris Time\" has begun! The flame will now embark on its journey, eventually arriving in Paris to light the cauldron at the opening ceremony. Let the countdown to the 2024 Summer Olympics begin! 🎉⏳
Reference(s):
'Paris Time' begins as first Olympic torch lit for 2024 Olympic Games
cgtn.com
