The ancient birthplace of the Olympics came alive this week as Greece hosted the flame-lighting ceremony for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Games! 🌟 Held in Olympia on October 2025, this timeless ritual kicked off the final countdown to the first Winter Olympics hosted entirely in Italy since 2006.
Over 2,500 athletes from 90+ countries will compete when the Games begin in February 2026, but first, the flame embarks on a 4,000km journey across Italy. The torch relay will spotlight iconic locations like Venice’s canals and the Dolomites’ snowy peaks before reaching Milan’s modern stadiums.
"This flame unites us through sport and history," said International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach during the ceremony. Local students recreated ancient traditions, with a "high priestess" lighting the torch using a parabolic mirror – just as their ancestors did 2,800 years ago. 🏛️
Fun fact: The olive branch carried by the first torchbearer symbolizes peace – a message Italy aims to spread globally as it prepares to welcome winter sports fans in 2026! ⛷️🎿
