Greek actress Mary Mina (R), playing the role of the High Priestess, passed the Olympic flame to Greek rower Petros Gaidatzis

Greek actress Mary Mina (R), playing the role of the High Priestess, passed the Olympic flame to Greek rower Petros Gaidatzis

New International Olympic Committee chief Kirsty Coventry fought back tears on Wednesday as she urged nations to come together in the 2026 Winter Games, as the torch relay set off from ancient Olympia in Greece.

Addressing guests during the torch ceremony at the Olympia archaeological museum as the first woman to head the Olympic movement, a tearful Coventry stressed the power of sport to unite.

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