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2026 Olympic Torch Relay Kicks Off in Rome

12/9/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Olympic torch relay for the 2026 Winter Games began in Rome on December 6, 2025.
The flame arrived from Greece and was lit at a ceremony attended by Italian President Sergio Mattarella and International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry.
The relay will travel 12,000 kilometers over 63 days, visiting 300 municipalities and all 110 Italian provinces, ending in Milan on February 6, 2026 to promote peace and unity.

History

Historical Context

The Olympic torch relay began at the 1936 Berlin Games, covering 3,187 kilometers with 3,331 runners, symbolizing peace amid rising political tensions. This tradition, rooted in the reintroduction of the Olympic Flame in 1928, has evolved, with the upcoming 2026 Winter Games relay spanning 12,000 kilometers across Italy, continuing its legacy of fostering international goodwill.

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Story summary

The Olympic torch relay for the 2026 Winter Games began in Rome on December 6, 2025.
The flame arrived from Greece and was lit at a ceremony attended by Italian President Sergio Mattarella and International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry.
The relay will travel 12,000 kilometers over 63 days, visiting 300 municipalities and all 110 Italian provinces, ending in Milan on February 6, 2026 to promote peace and unity.

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