Every four years (not in this case, because of COVID-19) there's a defining moment for those who follow the Olympic Games: the moment when the Olympic flame is lit.

After two editions of the Games, the usual route of the Olympic flame is back.

With 101 days to go until the start of Paris 2024, the flame was lit on Tuesday at the ancient site of Olympia in Greece, the country of origin of the Olympic Games. It's a tradition that began in 1936.

The flame represents the positive values that man has always associated with the symbolism of fire, such as peace and friendship; it also acts as a link between the ancient and modern Games.

The moment took place next to the ruins (2,600 years old) of the temple to Hera. The 'high priestess', dressed in traditional Ancient Greek costume, lit the pyre.

It is lit using the sun and a cylindrical mirror - a scheme that was already used in Ancient Greece.

Greek Olympic champion Stefanos Ntouskos opens the route to Paris. As the Olympic Games will be held in France, the second person to carry the Olympic flame is Frenchwoman Laure Manaudou, a former swimmer and Olympic champion.

The Olympic flame for Paris 2024 will travel from Olympia to Paris, passing several French historical sites - and French Polynesia, where the surfing events will be held.

Ceremony changed?

The constant threats of terrorism and recent attacks (some in Europe) may change the location of the Olympic Games opening ceremony.

The ceremony was going to be different this time: larger, more open to the public, taking place outside with the River Seine as the protagonist.

However, the French authorities may change the plan and President Emmanuel Macron has already admitted that the event may take place inside the Stade de France. If it takes place outside, the route of the ceremony will have to be shortened.

The plans are being revised and the announced "grandeur" should be reduced.

Wherever it is, it's going to lead to the biggest security operation ever in France.
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games will take place between July 26 and August 11.