At Archaia Olympia, where the whispers of ancient competitors still echo off the pillars, I recently found myself seated behind a rather imposing figure—a military general insistent on turning the Olympic Flame lighting ceremony into a teachable moment for his adolescent son. “Pay attention,” he ordered, as if strategizing a battle plan, “you might not see something like this again.”
The son ignored the sage advice.
A different kind of ceremony
I arrived at Ancient Olympia, half-expecting a parade of kitsch—a theme park ride draped in elegantly designed white togas by Mary Katrantzou. After all, news coverage, especially caustic in Greece, often portrays such cultural ceremonies as overly elaborate spectacles, barely skimming the surface of their historic roots. Instead, I was met with a subtlety that could only have been choreographed by the ancients themselves, whose understated sense of pageantry makes even some sophisticated modern event planners look like amateurs.
The ceremony, typically a sun-drenched affair, had to adapt to the whims of Zeus, or perhaps Apollo, given the uncharacteristically cloudy skies. No celestial light was seen that morning. Thus, the Olympic Flame was lit in a manner that honored tradition while embracing necessity—a broadcast video. It seemed the gods had scheduled a conference call or perhaps a divine webinar, necessitating this modern twist on an ancient ritual. This shift from live action to digital might just have been the most historically accurate part of the day, a reminder that even Olympus isn’t immune to the odd scheduling conflict.
The real Greek (experience)
As I navigated through the heart of this ancient sports complex, the atmosphere was electric. Being Greek, it’s hard not to feel a connection to those ancient games, where the stakes were an olive wreath and eternal bragging rights, not a lifetime position as a civil servant. And amidst this profound historical echo, the general’s advice to his son rang truer and gained a comedic edge. It wasn’t just a rare fatherly nudge to appreciate a cultural spectacle—it was a timely reminder that some events are so rare, they’re practically mythological.
Amidst the reverent proceedings at Olympia, it was refreshingly novel to see the dignitaries keep their addresses succinct, sidestepping the potential for political grandeur that such occasions often invite. Hosting the event was Nikos Aliagas, whose charm lent a polished grace to the ceremony.
Ancient Olympia itself, resisting the siren call of commercialization, retains its dignity splendidly. It’s refreshingly devoid of the typical tourist tat; there’s no fridge magnet in sight (well, almost) that might caricature its storied past. Here, the air carries whispers of history, not just sales pitches.
The torch relay …reinvented
Following the official lighting, I had the pleasure of being a guest at Costa Navarino, the renowned destination in Messinia known for its commitment to luxury and sustainability. The next day, the destination hosted its own ceremony at the world’s first International Olympic Academy Golf Course, part of the Navarino local empire.
Numerous schools participated, making it a vibrant celebration of community and sport. The sight of the Olympic Flame against the backdrop of this stunning 18-hole golf course—which stands as a symbol of the union between Olympism and golf—was nothing short of spectacular. Here, two young athletes from the Navarino Junior Golf Academy proudly bore the torch, symbolizing a bright future for both the sport and the ideals of the Games. That was the killer touch.
Last thoughts
The ceremonies, both at Ancient Olympia and Costa Navarino’s Navarino Hills, underscored a deep reverence for heritage while embracing the future—a theme that resonated deeply with all who attended (that’s the real surprise), leaving an indelible mark of inspiration and respect for the ancient and the enduring but (thankfully) also for the new.
* Costa Navarino is launching a 5-day sports camp from July 15 to August 16, catering to children and teenagers aged 6 to 15. Participants will explore 10 Olympic sports, including golf, tennis, basketball, football, archery, climbing, beach volleyball, gymnastics, swimming, and water polo. The camp features expert coaching, with basketball sessions led by NBA Basketball School coaches and football by Bayern FC trainers, ensuring professional guidance across all activities.
