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14:52

First Olympic Torchbearer for Greek leg of Relay revealed

The Hellenic Olympic Committee (HOC) has announced details of the Greek leg of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay, including confirmation of the very first Torchbearer.
Olympic Torch
The London Organising Committee (LOCOG) today showcases prototypes of the London 2012 Olympic Torch to be carried by 8,000 inspirational Torchbearers.The winning design connects the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay to each of the 8,000 Torchbearers and their community. The Torch's triangular, gold-coloured form is perforated by 8,000 circles representing the 8,000 Torchbearers and their stories of personal achievement and/or contribution to their local community which will be celebrated during the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay.

Greece's British-born 10km swimming world champion Spyros Gianniotis will have the honour of being the very first Torchbearer.

Expected to be a major contender for a medal at London 2012, Gianniotis has declared that 'swimming in London will be like swimming at home'.

Relay route

On 10 May, a ceremony will be held at the Temple of Hera in Ancient Olympia, where the Flame will be lit using the sun's rays. It will then begin its journey across Greece, travelling to the island of Crete before going to Piraeus, Thessalonica, Xanthi and Larissa among many other communities.

The Flame will arrive in the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens – site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 – on 17 May, where the Flame will be given to the London 2012 delegation.

When the Olympic Flame arrives in the UK on 18 May, it will travel on a 70-day journey around the country on its way to the Opening Ceremony of London 2012 on 27 July.

Find out more about the Olympic Torch Relay


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