Olympic Flame ignites
The countdown to London 2012 began as the world watched the Olympic Flame being lit in ancient Olympia.
Last Updated: 10/05/12 2:22pm
The countdown to the London 2012 Games began on Thursday as the world watched the Olympic Flame being lit in ancient Olympia.
The traditional ceremony took place under baking sunshine and tight security in front of the ruins of the Temple of Hera in Greece - the birthplace of the Ancient Games.
Ino Menegaki, an actress who has studied classical song, music and movement, played the key role of the high priestess, lighting the flame from the sun's rays.
She lifted a blazing torch from a parabolic mirror so it is lit as if beamed by the sun's rays from the Greek god of the sun to guarantee the purity of the flame, according to tradition.
Tradition
As stated by ancient rituals, this is the only way the Olympic flame can be lit.
With the ceremonial occasion under way, the Olympic Anthem was played and the Olympic Flag was raised.
As the Union Flag was hoisted, God Save The Queen was also played.
An extract of the poem The Light Of Olympia was recited.
Chairman of the Olympic Torch Relay Commission Spyros Zannias, International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge, Hellenic Olympic Committee president Spyros Capralos, and Lord Coe, the London 2012 chairman, said a few words before the lighting began.
Representatives
A 15-strong delegation from London 2012, led by Lord Coe, was invited to witness the lighting first-hand at the Temple of Hera, as the remaining guests stayed seated in the ancient stadium.
Sir Keith Mills, London 2012's chairman, and chief executive Paul Deighton moved forward.
Sir Craig Reedie, a British IOC member, Olympics minister Hugh Robertson as well as Dr David Landsman, the British ambassador to the Hellenic Republic, were also part of the group.
Representatives from London 2012 sponsors Coca Cola, Lloyds TSB and Samsung plus a single journalist made up the remainder of the delegation of British VIPs.
Lord Coe presented a framed London 2012 poster during the ceremony - titled 'For The Unknown Runner' by artist Chris Ofili - to the Hellenic Olympic Committee.