Greek and French flags lining the streets of Olympia.
Ancient Olympia Exhibition Recalls History of Olympic Torch
by Philip Barker in Ancient Olympia
The town of Ancient Olympia is festooned with the flags of Olympic nations and the French tricolor today flies alongside Greek flags on the roadway leading towards the Ancient site where the Paris Olympic Flame is to be lit by the rays of the sun on Tuesday.
Those arriving over the next few days will also be able to view a fascinating exhibition of Torches dating back to the first Relay in 1936.
The collection has been assembled by ISOH member Stratos Klimou over the course of 40 years.
It is displayed in Olympia Town Hall where Klimou and fellow collector Stavros Poutzoudis have been welcoming guests.
“It all started off with pins and developed from there,” said Klimou.
The showcases also include participant medals and other memorabilia of the Games.
The exhibits feature a medal from the 1924 Games in Paris, a dress worn by one of the priestesses during the Flame lighting and safety lanterns used for conserving the Flame.
The collection of lanterns includes one used at the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble.
The exhibition runs until April16th and closes at 9pm each day.
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