The story of the Olympic Torch Relay goes back to the original games in Olympia, Greece, and is reflected in the modern Olympics. In the ancient Olympic Games, held in Olympia, started off the Games the lighting of the torch at the temples of Zeus and Hera. A mirror was used to light the torch so that the flame would be “pure.” Also, the modern torch relay did not actually start until the …show more content…
In the ancient Olympic Games, held in Olympia, started off the Games the lighting of the torch at the temples of Zeus and Hera. A mirror was used to light the torch so that the flame would be “pure.” Also, the modern torch relay did not actually start until the Olympics in Berlin 1936, when German athlete Fritz Schilgen ran the 200 meters (about 656 feet) to the cauldron, with the torch having been lit in Greece and transported to Germany through many Southern and Central European nations, including Yugoslavia and Czechoslovakia. The Olympics have started with the torch relay ever since those Berlin Games, traveling from the Temple of Hera in Olympia to the original Olympic Stadium. From there, the first torchbearer takes it to the host country. The torch then travels around the country to landmarks and historical/natural sights being held by multiple torchbearers until it finally arrives at the Olympic Stadium for the opening ceremony. Anyone can run in the last 200 meters with the torch bearer, whether young or old. For example, “What Is the Olympic Torch Relay?” on www.pyeongchang.com said, “People from all walks of life can participate as torchbearers regardless of their age or gender. As such, torchbearers convey the message that ordinary people can embody the lofty ideals of the Olympic movement.” Next, the history of this great event in the modern Olympics starts off with the last