What is the Olympic flame?

The 2022 Olympic Games in Beijing have begun, let’s look at one of the Games’ iconic symbols, the Olympic flame, and how it spreads the values of the Olympic movement. It brings a sense of identity to the Games, much like the Olympic rings and its Latin motto Citius Altius Fortius. Throughout the Games, the flame burns inside the Olympic stadium, symbolising the ideals of peace and friendship between people.

The flame is a reminder of the Games of ancient Greek times, when messengers travelled from city to city announcing competition dates, as well as calling for a sacred Olympic truce. This meant all conflicts ceased, allowing athletes and spectators to travel to Olympia. Of course in 2021, the coronavirus hasn’t agreed to any truce, so the Tokyo Games are being organised under strict measures.

Are you saying the history of the Olympics is linked to Ancient Greece? What happens once the flame is lit? What happens if the flame goes out? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions!

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A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance.

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