Olympic torch reaches Paris

July 16, 2024

Share to Google Classroom

The torch relay for the 2024 Paris Olympics arrived in the French capital on Sunday, aiming to spark excitement among the city’s residents. The flame was first seen during the annual military parade on July 14, Bastille Day. It then began its journey around Paris, starting from the Champs-Elysees.

Thierry Henry, a famous soccer star who won the World Cup, carried the torch on the Champs-Elysees. From there, the torch visited landmarks such as the parliament and Notre-Dame Cathedral. “It’s not something you turn down, on our national day, on the Champs-Elysees, the Olympics in Paris,” Henry said. “Just extraordinary.”

On Monday, the flame stayed in the city, stopping at the Moulin Rouge with some can-can dancers before heading to Montmartre Cathedral.

The buildup to the Paris Games has faced criticism, with many Parisians worried about the event’s impact on their city. Chief organizer Tony Estanguet acknowledged this “Olympics-bashing” but hopes the torch relay will build more support.

The Olympic flame tradition began at the 1928 Summer Olympics in Amsterdam, inspired by ancient Greek ceremonies. In those times, a sacred fire was kept burning during the Games to honor the gods. This tradition was modernized and reintroduced in 1936 with the Olympic torch relay.