Tokyo Olympic flame begins journey in Greece amid virus precautions

·

The flame for the Tokyo Olympics was lit Thursday at the birthplace of the ancient games in a pared-down ceremony due to the coronavirus.

Standing in front of the ruined Temple of Hera in Ancient Olympia, a Greek actress playing the part of a pagan priestess used a concave mirror to focus the sun’s rays on a silver torch, causing fire to spurt forth.

After a seven-day relay through Greece, the flame will be delivered to Tokyo organising officials next week at a ceremony in the rebuilt ancient stadium in Athens where the first modern Olympics were held in 1896.

Hollywood actor Gerard Butler also announced that the coronavirus outbreak will not scare him away as he arrives in Greece to take part in the Olympic Torch Relay. The actor, who portrayed the legendary King Leonidas in ‘300’, will run with the torch from the Byzantine town of Mystras to Sparta.

The ceremonial part of Thursday’s flame-lighting was held with customary mock-archaic splendour: Young men and women dressed in pleated robes, a prayer to Apollo — the ancient Greek god of light — and dancing to flutes and drums under a splendid blue sky as blackbirds sang.

But fears of the coronavirus forced Greek officials to ban members of the public from attending the ceremony and severely curtail the number of invited officials and journalists. Normally, several thousand people from many countries gather on the earthen banks of Olympia’s ancient stadium to watch the ceremony.

Sourced by: Associated Press

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Acclaimed Greek film ‘Stelios’ to have Australian premiere in April

The Greek Festival of Sydney has announced the Australian premiere of the highly anticipated Greek film 'Stelios' on April 23, 2025.

Oakleigh Grammar inducts its 2025 student leaders

Oakleigh Grammar in Melbourne has inducted its 2025 School leaders from the Junior, Middle and Senior Schools.

SA Full Court ends dispute over teacher Dimosthenis Kourlas’ registration denial

The Supreme Court of South Australia’s Full Court has ruled on a dispute involving teaching graduate Dimosthenis Dillon Kourlas.

Peter V’landys urges Donald Trump to attend NRL Las Vegas showcase

NRL chief Peter V’landys has publicly invited US President Donald Trump to attend rugby league’s season-opening event in Las Vegas.

South Melbourne FC announces Directed as Major Sponsor in landmark partnership

Directed is the major sponsor of South Melbourne FC, aligning two organisations driven by innovation and a sense of community.

You May Also Like

Greece approves multibillion dollar naval upgrade, largest in 20 years

The Greek government has approved a multibillion-dollar proposal to upgrade the country’s naval forces, the largest modernisation plan in two decades for the country.

Tsipras and Zaev present inaugural Prespa Peace Award

Alexis Tsipras and former North Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev presented the inaugural 'Prespa Peace Award' to Matthew Nimetz

Former Greek prime minister, George Papandreou, joins KINAL leadership race

Former Socialist prime minister, George Papandreou, announced his candidacy for the leadership of center-left Movement for Change (KINAL).