Olympic flame lit in Greece, begins 15-week journey to Rio

Actresses light the ceremonial flame that will be carried to the Olympics

(Image credit: Aris Messinis/AFP/Getty Images)

On Thursday, actors dressed as pagan priestesses and dancers lighted the ceremonial Olympic flame at a ceremony in Ancient Olympia, Greece.

Officials from the International Olympic Committee and the organizing committee for the Rio de Janeiro games attended the ceremony, assuring reporters that despite the political, economic, and environmental crises in Brazil, Rio will be ready to host the first South American Olympics. The first bearer of the Olympic torch, Greek gymnastics champion Eleftherios Petrounias, will start the flame on a six-day trip to Athens, where the torch will pass to Brazilian officials. The torch will reach Brazil on May 3 and tour the country until the 2016 games begin in 15 weeks.

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.