Javelin thrower Kostas Gatsioudis with the Paris Flame.
[Photo: Hellenic Olympic Committee/Eurokinissi]
Echoes of the Torch Relay
by Philip Barker in Athens
The Olympic Torch Relay provided another echo of the 2004 Games as it arrived in Alexandroupolis when Javelin thrower Kostas Gatsioudis lit a temporary Cauldron.
Twenty years ago, he was the first runner to set in motion the Athens 2004 Torch Relay at Ancient Olympia.
Gatsioudis now 50, was a World Championship silver medallist in 1999 and had competed at both the Atlanta and Sydney Olympics.
Rhythmic gymnast Irene Mandraveli had begun the day in Thessaloniki.
In Komotini, 2013 Mediterranean Games gold medallist Kostas Baniotis ignited the Flame at the altar.
The Flame was also exchanged against the striking backdrop of the Ancient Theatre of Philippi.
The Flame is set to continue through Greece and is to visit Corfu on Wednesday before beginning its return journey towards Athens and Friday’s Handover Ceremony at the Panathinaiko Stadium.
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