CHAPTER 1 - The Olympic Flame

Reading Comprehension - Check Your Understanding

A. Choose the correct answers for the following questions.

1. The Olympic Games truly begin when ______.
A) the opening ceremony takes place
B) the Olympic torch is lit
C) athletes from competing nations arrive

2. The torch is lit in Greece because that is where the ______.
A) ancient games were held
B) Olympics are held every year
C) flame is always burning

3. At first, ______ were selected to carry the torch.
A) athletes
B) children
C) citizens

4. When the torch reaches the host city, the Olympic flame ______.
A) is put out
B) lights a big pot
C) is carried underwater

B. Read the sentences below. Choose true (T) or False (F).

C. Discuss the following questions with a partner.

1. Why is the Olympic flame created using only with sunlight and a mirror?
   Answer

   Students should deduce that this is the way fire was created in ancient times, and is used to uphold the tradition and maintain a link with the ancient Olympics.

2. Do you think the flame is a good symbol of the Olympic spirit? Why, or why not?
   Answer

   Possible reason: the flame represents eternal life and hope.

The Olympic Flame

Every four years, the summer Olympic Games kick off with an elaborate¹ opening ceremony that welcomes athletes from every competing nation. However, preparations and celebrations. for the Olympic Games start long before the opening ceremony. The true beginning of the Olympic celebration is the lighting of the Olympic torch and the relay that carries the flame to the host city.

The Olympic torch is lit at a ceremony in Olympia, Greece, where the ancient² games were held. One requirement for the Olympic flame is that it must be created using only sunlight and a mirror. The flame is lit months before the games, and the first runner begins the great relay among the ruins³ of an ancient Olympic stadium.

The first modern Olympic torch relay took place in Berlin, in the summer of 1936. At the beginning, runners were mainly selected from the Olympic athletes, but later regular citizens-including children, old people, and people with disabilities-began to participate as well. Carrying the torch is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and a great honor.

Traditionally, the torch is carried on foot. However, sometimes other kinds of transport are needed. When the torch must go overseas, it is sent on a private plane. The torch has also been carried underwater. For the Sydney Summer Games in 2000, a diver swam with the torch!

At the end of the relay, the flame is used to light a giant pot. The light, a symbol of the Olympic spirit, burns throughout the games.

¹ Something that is elaborate is complex and has a lot of different parts.
² Something that is ancient is very, very old.
³ Ruins are the remains of a very old building.