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The Olympic Torch today is ignited several months before the opening celebration of the Olympic Games at the site of the ancient Olympics in Olympia, Greece. Eleven women, most of them actresses, representing the roles of priestesses, perform a ceremony in which one lights the flame, by placing a torch in a parabolic mirror which concentrates rays from the Sun.

By tradition, the Olympic flame is delivered to the officials of the host city in a ceremony taking place in the Athenian Panathinaiko Stadium for the start of the relay by Athens city's authorities.

The torch is then transported to the host city of the upcoming Olympics by a torch relay. Though traditionally, the flame is carried on foot, other means of transportation have been used as well. The runners have included athletes and celebrities, but many previously 'unknown' people have also carried it, often chosen for their personal merits and achievements.