BJ Olympic flame lit in ancient Olympia

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Source: CCTV.com | 03-25-2008 08:19

The torch lighting ceremony took place Monday for this year's Beijing Olympics. Ancient Olympia played host to an audience of hundreds along with journalists from all over the world, which also kicked off what will be the longest torch relay in Olympic history.

The head priestess, Greece's actress Maria  Nafpliotou, raises the torch of Olympic flame  during the flame lighting ceremony for the  Beijing 2008 Olympic Games held in Olympia,  Greece, March 24, 2008.(Xinhua/Retuers Photo)

An inspiring moment for Ancient Olympia and Beijing.

The Olympic flame lighting ceremony was held in the birthplace of the ancient Olympics on Monday. It is also the first time the flame will end its epic journey at the Games in China.

Twenty priestesses accompanied High Priestess Maria Nafpliotou, who held the torch to the polished steel mirror.

Monday's bright sunshine in Athens swept people's worries of cloudy weather, ensuring the traditional lighting by solar cauldron was a success.

Plenty of International VIPs attended the sacred ceremony.

IOC President Jacques Rogge explained the significance of the special moment.

IOC President Jacques Rogge said, "I express here the hope that the symbol of the torch and that the right circumstances can be created, wherever the torch travels, for it to resonate."

BOCOG President Liu Qi expressed confidence that China will hold a successful Olympics.

BOCOG president Liu Qi said, "Under the light of the Olympic flame, and with the joint efforts of the people of China, Greece and the rest of the world, Beijing will host a high-level Olympic Games with distinguishing features."

After the flame-lighting ceremony, the torch was finally passed to the first torchbearer, Greek Olympic Taekwonndo silver medalist, Alexandros Nikolaidis.

He then handed over the torch to China's swimming Olympic champion, Luo Xuejuan.

As the first Chinese torchbearer for the Beijing Games, the Olympic champion says she feels very proud.

2nd torchbearer Luo Xuejuan said, "When I took over the torch from the first torchbearer, my biggest feeling is that this is also a culture exchange between Greece and China. We will deliver the Olympic flame to all over the world."

More than 600 other runners will carry the torch before it's handed over to the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games on March the 30th.

Editor:Zhang Ning