Olympic Torch Lit In Greece

The Olympic flame was lit today during a traditional ceremony in Greece, according to the Los Angeles Times.

The flame was ignited outside of the 2,600-year-old Temple of Hera with the use of the sun’s rays and a mirror. The torch was handed to Greek swimmer Spyros Gianniotis, who is the first of 490 people who will help carry it across Greece on its journey to London.

"In 1948, shortly after the Second World War, my predecessor stood where I am today and made the first tentative steps in turning the world from war to sport,” said London Olympics organizing chief Sebastian Coe. “We find ourselves in challenging times again and turn to sport once more to connect the world in a global celebration of achievement and inspiration.”