IOC president Kirsty Coventry: “Today’s ceremony reminds us what the Olympic Games stand for”
The Flame-Lighting Ceremony in Olympia has been a central part of the modern Olympic tradition for nearly 90 years. Inside the Archaeological Museum, the High Priestess – played this year by Greek actress Mary Mina – called upon the god Apollo and used the flame preserved from Monday’s mirror lighting to ignite the Olympic torch.
Earlier in the ceremony, soprano Christina Poulitsi performed the Olympic Anthem, before a choir from the Italian School of Athens sang the Greek national anthem. Greek actor Yiannis Stankoglou then recited “The Light of Olympia”, a poem by Takis Doxas honouring peace and human unity, underscoring the connection between Greece, the Olympic Movement and the next host nation.
Following the poem, Giovanni Malagò, President of the Milano Cortina 2026 Organising Committee, addressed the audience.
“Standing here today, it is impossible not to be inspired and moved by the sheer weight of history and tradition that sits at the heart of our great Olympic Movement.”
He also highlighted the symbolic journey that lies ahead for the flame as it travels across Italy.
“The Italian spirit will shine brightly in the flame of the torch, igniting the whole of Italy and uniting the world in the common purpose which sits at the heart of Milano Cortina: to use the timeless power of the Olympic Games to create new opportunities for young generations through sport.”
This was also the first Flame-Lighting Ceremony for Kirsty Coventry in her role as IOC President, and Milano Cortina 2026 will be the first Olympic Winter Games of her presidency. In her speech, Coventry underlined the values carried by the flame from Olympia to Italy.
“Today’s ceremony reminds us what the Olympic Games stand for: bringing people together in peaceful competition, friendship and respect. As we light the Olympic flame for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, we carry this light from the past to the present, and continue it to the future. And it’s a shared future we all want to see.
“The flame will soon travel to Italy — a country where passion runs deep in the hearts of its people. From Milan’s vibrant energy to the majestic Dolomites and Italian Alps, this passion will inspire athletes and fans alike. It will be the heartbeat of the Games, shining through in every moment that Italy shares with the world.”