OlymPicks: The Flame Arrives in Beijing
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The Olympic flame has been lit and arrived in Beijing on Oct 20. Or, two flames to be exact, both contained in some sleek-looking lantern-type contraptions that take inspiration 2000-year-old lights from the Western Han Dynasty (see below).
The arrival follows a ceremony in Greece on Monday, during which the flame was lit using a parabolic mirror in front of the Temple of Hera in Olympia, the birthplace of the ancient Olympics. The event was presided over by the President of Greece, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, as well as International Olympic Committee officials including IOC President Thomas Bach and Vice-President Yu Zaiqiang.
Unfortunately, what was supposed to be a multiday tour that would see the flame carried in the snazzy Beijing 2022 torch all over Greece was instead replaced by a brief relay in Olympia due to COVID-19 restrictions. The flame then made its way to the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens on Tuesday, for an official handover ceremony to the Beijing Games Organizing Committee.
Next up is a welcoming ceremony for the flame, signaling one step closer to the Games, which are set to open on Feb 4, 2022.
READ: OlymPicks: China's Hockey Question, Where to Score Olympics Merch, Events Schedule Released
Images: 中视新闻, Beijing Daily, China Daily
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