By Sophie Eastaugh, for CNN
Updated 1440 GMT (2140 HKT) April 21, 2016
6 photos: Rio 2016: Olympic torch lit


The first torchbearer was Greek gymnastics world champion Eleftherios Petrounias. The torch is beginning a six-day relay tour of Greece which includes a pass through a refugee camp in Athens.
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6 photos: Rio 2016: Olympic torch lit
Gold medal-winner Petrounias said he was said he was shocked to be chosen as the first torch bearer. "I was driving when I heard," he told the Games' official website. "I almost crashed my car."
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6 photos: Rio 2016: Olympic torch lit
The Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro will host the opening ceremony for Brazil 2016. The Games run from 5-21 August.
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6 photos: Rio 2016: Olympic torch lit
The Olympic flame is back: Greek actress Katerina Lechou performs the role of the high priestess as she lights the Olympic flame at the Temple of Hera at the site of ancient Olympia.





