The Olympic flame for the 2024 Paris Olympics was lit on Tuesday, and the torch relay began in southern Greece.

The flame was lit in an event at the ruins of an ancient stadium and temple in Olympia, Greece. Wednesday marks 100 days until the Games open on July 26.

International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach and Paris organizing committee President Tony Estanguet were among attendees at the ceremony.

Bach emphasized the role of the Olympics, saying the global sports games and peace have been inseparable since ancient times. He said the Olympics is the only event which can unite the world through peaceful competition.

An actress dressed as an ancient Greek priestess lit the torch. Greek rower Stefanos Ntouskos, who was the gold medalist in the men's single scull boat event of the Tokyo Games in 2021, ran as the first torchbearer, starting the relay.

After traveling through Greece, a large sailboat will transport the flame to Marseilles in France. From there, about 10,000 torchbearers will carry the flame through more than 400 cities, towns and villages. These include tourist attractions including the World Heritage sites the Palace of Versailles and Mont Saint-Michel, as well as the Mont Blanc valley. The final destination is the Seine River where the opening ceremony will be held.

The Paris Olympics will be held from July 26 to August 11.