The Olympic flame of the 2024 Games has been officially handed over to Paris organizers in a grand ceremony at the historic Panathenaic Stadium in Athens. The torch was passed from the Hellenic Olympic Committee chairman Spyros Capralos to Paris Olympics chief organizer Tony Estanguet, marking the transition of hosting duties from Greece to France.
In his speech, Estanguet emphasized Paris’ goal of organizing a “spectacular but also more responsible Games, which will contribute towards a more inclusive society.” The organizers aim to use the event as a platform to address important global issues and promote inclusivity.
The flame was carried into the stadium by a duo of French champions, including Beijing 2022 ice dance gold medallist Gabriella Papadakis and former Paralympian Beatrice Hess. The ceremony also featured a performance by the legendary Greek singer Nana Mouskouri.
Following the handover, the flame will embark on a journey to France aboard the historic three-masted barque Belem. The ship will pass through the Corinth Canal before reaching Marseille, where it will be greeted by over 1,000 vessels.
Over the course of its journey through France, the flame will be carried by 10,000 torchbearers across 64 territories, covering a distance of 12,000 kilometers. The flame will eventually be used to light the cauldron at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics on July 26.
The handover ceremony in Athens marked the end of an 11-day relay in Greece, where the flame traveled over 5,000 kilometers through various towns and cities. The tradition of the Olympic flame dates back to ancient times and continues to symbolize the spirit of the Games today.