Rio 2016 Torch Relay
The Olympic Games Torch for Rio embarked on a 12,000 kilometer journey, which took it to all 26 states including 250 cities and towns. This feat involves about 10,000 torch bearers.
The torch began its journey at Olympia in Greece, as per tradition, then traveled onto Brazil. Lefteris Petrounias, the 2015 gymnastics rings world champion, was the first torchbearer.
The torch was lit in the Greek city of Olympia on 21 April 2016 then after a tour around Greece it was handed over to Rio 2016 organisers on 27 April. On 3 May, the Olympic Torch Relay officially started in the capital city of Brazil, Brasilia, embarking on a 95-day tour around the country.
The relay concluded with the lighting of the Cauldron at the Maracanã Stadium at the Opening Ceremony on August 5, 2016.
Related Pages
- More about the Olympic Games Torch Relay
- About Olympic Torches with examples
- The Rio Olympics
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