How the Olympic Flame became the greatest symbol of Olympism

Philip Barker

doi:10.53434/gbesbd.1837982

How the Olympic Flame became the greatest symbol of Olympism

Abstract

Of all the symbols of the Olympic movement, the Torch Relay has become arguably the best known. Conveyed from Ancient Olympia to the Olympic Host city, it is designed to provide a link between the Games of Antiquity and modern Olympic sport. This article examines how the ritual was established and how it has developed into an important way in which to promote the Olympic movement. It highlights the importance of the key staging posts from the kindling of the Flame to the grand arrival at the Opening Ceremony to signal the start of the Games. There is also an examination of how the Relay has changed in character from a simple journey by the shortest geographical route into a much larger event which aims to engage as much of the host nation as possible.

Keywords

References

Coubertin Paroles de Cloture, June 26, 1912
1936 Official Report of the IX Olympic Games
1934 IOC Session Athens minutes 18 May 1934
1936 Official Report of the IX Olympic Games p.91
1936 Official Report of the IX Olympic Games p.92
HOC Bulletin K67-1 -E12 cited in Historical Archives of the Hellenic Olympic Committee (ed Koulouris) .”Greece created the Olympic Games in antiquity. In Greece the modern Olympic Games were held. In this way, Greece proves that it continues to believe in the ideals of the Olympic light. Greeks help us convey the Olympic light”
Authors interview with Maria Horss – April 2004
Horss was the head choreographer from 1964 until 2006 and succeeded by Artemis Ignatiou who is the present artistic director of the Lighting Ceremony.

Coubertin message for the Flame Lighting Ceremony -July 20, 1936
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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

History of Sports

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Philip Barker ^*
0009-0003-6141-1129
United Kingdom

Publication Date

December 26, 2025

Submission Date

December 8, 2025

Acceptance Date

December 25, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 30 Number: Special Issue

DOI

https://doi.org/10.53434/gbesbd.1837982

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA82FD53BG

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Barker, P. (2025). How the Olympic Flame became the greatest symbol of Olympism. Gazi Journal of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, 30(Special Issue), 19-29. https://doi.org/10.53434/gbesbd.1837982