Olympic flame lights up Olympia, kicks off 2026 Winter Games torch relay
November 26 at 08:50
Greece
November 26 at 08:50
November 26 at 08:50 GMT +00:00
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The Olympic torch is lit in Olympia, marking the start of preparations for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games on Wednesday, November 26.
The ceremony takes place at the Temple of Hera, where the flame is ignited using concentrated sunlight. Greek skier Alexandros Giannis is set to carry the torch first as the relay begins its route through Greece.
The flame is set to reach Athens on December 4, where it will be handed to Italian organisers before travelling on to Italy. The torch relay is a central Olympic tradition symbolising peace and continuity between the ancient and modern Games.
The Winter Games are scheduled to open on February 6 2026, with around 2,900 athletes expected to compete across several Italian host cities.