The journey of the Olympic Flame for Milano–Cortina 2026 began in the heart of Athens, inside a monument where history, stone, and tradition converge: the Panathenaic Stadium — globally known as the Kallimarmaro. Entirely built from Pentelic marble, the same stone that shaped the Parthenon, the stadium stands as a luminous testament to Greece’s uninterrupted cultural and athletic heritage.
Originally inaugurated around 560 BC for the Panathenaic Games in honor of the goddess Athena, its elliptical form and gleaming white marble have for centuries symbolized the spirit of competition and unity. It was here that the modern Olympic era was reborn in 1896, brought to life by Pierre de Coubertin’s vision — and here again that the Olympic flame continues its journey towards new horizons.
Despite the Weather, Marble and Sunlight Framed the Ceremony
Much like the lighting ceremony in Ancient Olympia last week, today’s event was threatened by persistent rain. Yet, at the decisive moment, the clouds parted, and sunlight finally illuminated the stadium’s marble tiers — an almost symbolic gesture as the flame was officially handed over to the Milano–Cortina delegation.
The Italian representatives included CONI president Luciano Buonfiglio, Milano–Cortina Foundation president Giovanni Malagò, and the mayors of Milan and Cortina, Giuseppe Sala and Gianluca Lorenzi.
The ceremony began with the “Gymnastics for All – Wolves Team,” choreographed by Olympia Dragouni and accompanied by Greek singer Klavdia. This was followed by a performance by the Italian School of Athens in collaboration with Milan’s Tam Ballet, featuring a chorus of 100 children and an ensemble of 100 young dancers. Due to uncertain weather conditions, the artistic program had been pre-recorded in the days prior.
As the flame now travels toward the 2026 Winter Games in Milan and Cortina, the heritage embedded in Greek marble and in the historic stadium that bears its name continues to inspire, illuminate, and define the Olympic spirit.
