One of the most iconic traditions of the modern Olympic games is the carrying of the flaming torch from Athens to the site of the games. This custom was introduced by the 20th century leader, Baron Pierre de Coubertin.

Baron Pierre de Coubertin was a French educator and historian who is considered the founder of the International Olympic Committee and the modern Olympic games. He believed in the power of sports to bring people together and promote peace and understanding among nations. In 1928, he proposed the idea of carrying a flaming torch from the site of the ancient Olympics in Olympia, Greece to the site of the modern games as a way to symbolize the passing of the torch of peace and unity.

Since then, the tradition of the Olympic torch relay has become one of the most anticipated events leading up to the games. The torch is lit by the sun's rays in a ceremony at the Temple of Hera in Olympia, using a parabolic mirror to focus the sun's rays. The first torch relay took place at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, and it has been a part of every Olympic games since.

The Olympic torch relay symbolizes the link between the ancient and modern games, as well as the spirit of competition and friendship that the Olympics represent. It is a powerful symbol of unity and peace, as the torch is passed from one runner to the next, traveling through different countries and communities before reaching its final destination at the Olympic stadium.

To learn more about the history of the Olympic torch relay and its significance, you can visit the official Olympic website at https://olympic.org. There you will find a wealth of information about the games, the athletes, and the traditions that make the Olympics so special.

So next time you see the Olympic flame burning bright at the opening ceremony of the games, remember the legacy of Baron Pierre de Coubertin and the tradition that he started over a century ago. The Olympic torch relay is a symbol of hope, unity, and the power of sports to bring people together from all corners of the globe.

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