@OlympicFlame telling story of Rio 2016 Olympic Torch Relay on Twitter
A contemporary voice for a legendary symbol: torch keeps followers up to date with journey from ancient Olympia to Rio 2016 Games
After a lighting ceremony that harked back to the mysteries of ancient times, the Olympic flame has sparked into life with that most 21st century of phenomena – a Twitter profile.
Since the ceremony at the Temple of Hera in Olympia on Thursday (21 April), the flame has been providing followers of the @OlympicFlame account with an exclusive backstage view of the Rio 2016 Olympic Torch Relay.
After spending years in the darkness I can’t wait to see the light of day again. Almost time to return
— Olympic Flame (@OlympicFlame) 21 de abril de 2016
The account will be active until 21 August, when the Olympic cauldron at the Marcanã Stadium is put out in the closing ceremony for the Olympic Games.
This is the first time that the Olympic flame is speaking with its own voice on social media. "The account will be active as long as the real flame is alive," says Benjamin Paz, manager of digital engagement at Rio 2016. "It will be suspended at the end of Rio 2016 but it will come back to life for the next Olympic relay."
The account is run by Twitter in partnership with the Rio 2016 Organising Committee. The flame's voice is that of a young, androgynous and charismatic member of Generation Y, reaching out directly to a global online audience.
I’m back! #OlympicFlame
— Olympic Flame (@OlympicFlame) 21 de abril de 2016
In its first few days of life, the flame has been tweeting details of the destinations it has visited, the sights it has seen and the people who have been carrying it. The account is a frequent user of Periscope, the live streaming app that is owned by Twitter.
Rio 2016 Olympic Torch Relay takes first steps of Greek odyssey
Follow the @Olympic Flame on its journey
Day 1 (Thursday 21 April)
Thank you for the warm welcome Zakynthos! #OlympicFlame https://t.co/USBnj8o8jI
— Olympic Flame (@OlympicFlame) 21 de abril de 2016
Day 2 (Friday 22 April)
The locals in Lefkada are performing a traditional dance for me now pic.twitter.com/xoifFUJ6j8
— Olympic Flame (@OlympicFlame) 22 de abril de 2016
Burning brightly in front of the remains in Ancient Nikopolis. #OlympicFlame pic.twitter.com/70vZXx5itY
— Olympic Flame (@OlympicFlame) 22 de abril de 2016
Day 3 (Saturday 23 April)
Preveza at sunrise. #OlympicFlame https://t.co/1iEBYrq17u
— Olympic Flame (@OlympicFlame) 23 de abril de 2016
A special guard of honour greeted my arrival in Igoumenitsa, a city with a proud rowing tradition. #OlympicFlame pic.twitter.com/T33PL8DWN6
— Olympic Flame (@OlympicFlame) 23 de abril de 2016
What a setting! #OlympicFlame pic.twitter.com/PY42ni2u1E
— Olympic Flame (@OlympicFlame) 23 de abril de 2016
Day 4 (Sunday 24 April)
A dance reception in the village of Chriso #OlympicFlame pic.twitter.com/sq0o3oRGji
— Olympic Flame (@OlympicFlame) 24 de abril de 2016
Walking the red carpet #OlympicFlame pic.twitter.com/mMEBqpWtqB
— Olympic Flame (@OlympicFlame) 24 de abril de 2016
Day 5 (Monday 25 April)
Rain beginning to fall in Katerini! Has anyone got an umbrella? #AskingForAFlame
— Olympic Flame (@OlympicFlame) 25 de abril de 2016
LIVE on #Periscope: Larissa here I come! #OlympicFlame https://t.co/1KLn3YmWN4
— Olympic Flame (@OlympicFlame) 25 de abril de 2016
The next steps (26 April – 3 May)
On Wednesday, the Olympic Torch Relay will arrive at Panathinaiko Stadium in Athens, the venue for the historic 1896 Olympic Games, where it will be formally handed over to Brazil and to the Rio 2016 Organising Committee.
Flame fact: On my trek across Greece this week I’ll travel more than 2,200km and be carried by around 450 torchbearers #OlympicFlame
— Olympic Flame (@OlympicFlame) 21 de abril de 2016
See the full schedule for the Greek leg of the torch relay
The torch will then spend 28 April to 2 May in Switzerland. It will visit the headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva before going on display at the nearby Olympic Museum in Lausanne, home of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The Brazilian section of the relay will begin on 3 May in capital city Brasília. About 12,000 torch bearers will take part as the relay passes through more than 300 towns and cities. The 95-day event will culminate at the opening ceremony at the Maracanã stadium on 5 August, when the flame is used to light the Olympic cauldron.
Rio 2016 Olympic Torch Relay to showcase diverse beauty of Brazil
