Southern Europe News

The Olympic flame is a powerful symbol of the Games it is intended to embody the ideals of peace, unity, and the enduring spirit of competition. Its origins trace back to the ancient Greek tradition, where a sacred flame burned at the altar of Hestia during the original Olympic Games. The modern Olympic flame is ignited in Olympia, Greece. It is then carried by a relay of torchbearers across various countries, symbolizing the spread of Olympic values worldwide, before culminating in the lighting of the cauldron at the opening ceremony of the host citys Games. This flame burns throughout the Olympics, serving as a constant reminder of the enduring legacy and universal spirit of the event.The Paris 2024 cauldron was lit by two Olympic gold medalists from France Marie-Jos Prec, a track runner, and Teddy Riner, a judoka. Charles Coste, the oldest living French Olympic champion at 100 years old, lit both their torches. Previously in the Opening Ceremony, the torch was carried by prominent names such as Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams and even Snoop Dogg.This year’s cauldron is innovative and unique. The cauldron is a 23-foot-wide ring of flames topped by a 100-foot-tall hot-air balloon. For the first time in Olympic history, the cauldron will remain floating above the city of Paris throughout the duration of the Games. In another first, this flame is sustainably powered by hydrogen. This shift towards a greener flame aligns with the broader goals of the Paris 2024 organizing committee, which aims to host the most sustainable Olympics to date.