ANCIENT OLYMPIA, Greece - The Olympic flame for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics was ignited Wednesday at the historic site of Ancient Olympia, marking the start of its journey to Italy.

Due to adverse weather, this year's lighting ceremony was held inside the Archaeological Museum adjacent to the ancient stadium where athletes once competed.

Actress Mary Mina, portraying a High Priestess of Ancient Greece, handed the flame and an olive branch to Greece's Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medalist in rowing, Petros Gkaidatzis, who became the first torchbearer of the relay.

The flame used during the official ceremony was a reserve, previously ignited during a rehearsal on Monday before the 2,500-year-old Temple of Hera, following traditional ritual. Such use of a backup flame and indoor ceremonies has historical precedent; the 1968 Grenoble Winter Olympics flame was also lit inside the same museum.

During Monday's ritual, Mina focused sunlight with a concave mirror to ignite the flame. The ceremony featured a choreographed dance performance inspired by ancient Greek traditions.

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Before releasing a white pigeon to symbolize the spread of Olympic ideals, officials highlighted the flame's symbolic significance in promoting unity.

"These Games come at a critical moment in history. In today's divided world, the Olympics carry a truly symbolic meaning," said International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry. "It is our responsibility to ensure that athletes from around the globe come together peacefully, inspiring the dreams and hopes of all who are watching. This is the true Olympic spirit."

Giovanni Malago, president of the Organizing Committee for the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, said "Every step taken by the thousand torchbearers over the next weeks will remind the world of the power of sports to build bridges."

"The flame cannot end war, but it can illuminate the darkness and point the way toward peace," said Aristidis Panagiotopoulos, mayor of Ancient Olympia.

"As the flame now burns, let us feel its warmth within our souls… Peace is possible when humanity chooses it," Hellenic Olympic Committee President Isidoros Kouvelos noted.

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The flame will travel across Greece before being handed over to Italy.