Sochi Olympics flame lighting goes off without a hitch ahead of mammoth torch relay

9/29/2013

ANCIENT OLYMPIA, Greece — Using the sun’s rays, the Olympic flame lighting for the Winter Games in Sochi went off without a hitch in southern Greece, ahead of its journey across Russia’s nine time zones and even a trip to space before the Feb. 7-23 games.

The ceremony was held today with actresses dressed as ancient priestesses at the birthplace of the Greek games held in antiquity, with the flame lighting using a parabolic mirror. NHL star Alex Ovechkin will be the first Russian involved in the torch relay.

Newly elected International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach was present at the ceremony.