Olympic flame for Milano Cortina 2026 lit in Olympia – Armin Zöggeler on site

Olympia, Greece (FIL/25 Nov 2025) Today, the Olympic flame for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics was lit at the ancient site of Olympia. The solemn ceremony marks the official start of the flame's journey, which will light the Olympic fire during the opening ceremony in Milan on February 6, 2026.

The FIL was prominently represented at this important moment: Armin Zöggeler, FIL Vice President Technical Matters and two-time Olympic champion in luge, attended the ceremony as a guest of honor. Following Greek starting runner Stefania Belmondo – also a two-time Olympic champion – Zöggeler received the Olympic flame and continued the traditional torch relay.

Due to weather conditions, the flame was lit in the traditional manner using sunlight during Monday's dress rehearsal and was officially transferred today. The ceremony took place at the Archaeological Museum of Olympia and brought together numerous high-ranking personalities, including IOC President Kirsty Coventry and the President of the Hellenic Republic, Constantine An. Tassoulas.

Today marks the start of “The Greatest Journey” of the Milano Cortina 2026 torch: the flame will first travel through Greece before being transferred to Italy on December 4, where the grand national torch relay will begin on December 6.

The FIL will accompany the Olympic flame's journey and all luge-related stops on its channels – on the shared path to the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games.