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The Olympic Torch officially began its journey to Tokyo after the traditional flame lighting ceremony in Olympia, Greece.

Held near the Temple of Hera, the traditional ceremony celebrates the Olympic Games Greek heritage, reaffirming the connection between the modern Games and their historic origins.

“The Olympic Torch Relay in Greece is the origin of so many wonderful episodes and stories, and I very much hope that the torch relay that begins today will engender many dreams and aspirations, and bring hope for tomorrow,” said Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee acting President Toshiaki Endo.

Following the ceremony, the torch began its journey with Anna Korakaki of Greece, a 2016 Olympic champion in shooting, marking the first time that a woman served as the first Olympic relay torch bearer. Korakaki passed it on to Japanese distance running legend Noguchi Mizuki, the winner of the women’s marathon at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.