The Olympic torch is lit at a ceremony in Greece before travelling to the host city.

The longer version

A flame is kindled by concentrating sunlight with a mirror at a site in southern Greece, a method chosen so the fire has a ritual rather than a mechanical origin. It then travels to the host country, sometimes by ship or aircraft, and is carried by relays of runners to the stadium for the opening ceremony.

The relay itself was invented in the twentieth century and has no ancient precedent, although torch races did feature in some Greek festivals. Because the flame must survive weather and transport, several backups are lit from the same source and carried separately, with lanterns keeping it burning on aircraft. Organisers treat an extinguished flame as a real contingency rather than a mishap to laugh off.

Where this entry sits

Facts here look at the rules, equipment and odd histories behind familiar sports and games, from balls and rackets to cards, boards and playing fields. Expect small details about scoring quirks, stadium design and the long story of the Olympic Games. The full list sits on the Sports and Games page, where every entry is listed in order.