For the first time in Olympic history, a female athlete will ignite the torch relay, marking a groundbreaking moment in the tradition of the Games. Anna Korakaki, an accomplished shooter from Greece and a gold medalist from the Rio 2016 Olympics, has been selected to commence the torch relay for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. This announcement, made by the Hellenic Olympic Committee, signifies a historic shift after 124 years of male-only torchbearers.
The Ceremony Begins in Olympia
The relay will kick off with the ceremonial lighting of the flame in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games. Spyros Papadopoulos, president of the Greek Olympic Committee, remarked on this “historic moment,” emphasizing the significance of Korakaki’s role. With a gold medal in the 25m pistol and a bronze in the 10m air pistol, she has represented Greece proudly since joining the national team in 2010.
“I am deeply honored to be the first woman to carry the torch,” Korakaki expressed. “The emotions will be overwhelming, especially at such a significant location as Ancient Olympia. It’s a moment I will cherish forever.”
Following the Torch
Following her, the torch will be handed to Mizuki Tanaka, the Japanese long-distance runner who clinched gold in the women’s marathon at the Athens Olympics in 2004. The final torchbearer in Greece will be Katerina Nikolaou, a pole vault champion, who will then pass the flame to the Tokyo organizing team.
Papadopoulos celebrated the selection of these remarkable athletes, highlighting Korakaki’s achievements and the pride she brings to Greece. “It’s a historic moment, and Anna truly deserves this honor—not just for her medals but for her continued excellence in the sport,” he noted.
The Journey of the Torch
The torch will traverse Greece for eight days before arriving at Athens’ Panathenaic Stadium for a handover ceremony. After that, it will journey across all 47 prefectures in Japan, culminating in the lighting of the Olympic cauldron at the National Stadium in Tokyo during the opening ceremony on July 24.
A Symbol of Change
This pivotal change in tradition is not just about the torch; it symbolizes the evolution of the Olympic spirit and the increasing recognition of female athletes. If you’re interested in exploring more about the journey of motherhood and home insemination, check out this insightful post on home insemination. For those considering their options, the at-home insemination kit is a comprehensive resource, and you can find valuable information about fertility treatments at the ACOG FAQs.
Conclusion
In summary, the 2020 Olympic Torch Relay will be led by a female athlete for the first time, with Anna Korakaki lighting the flame in Olympia. This momentous occasion highlights the growing recognition of women in sports and sets the stage for an exciting Olympic Games in Tokyo.
Keyphrase: Olympic Torch Relay female athlete
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