Who is the Masked Torch Bearer? Who Are the Final Torch Bearers?

Who is the Masked Torch Bearer?

The true identity of the masked individual carrying the torch during the Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony remains a mystery. This figure, donned in a white robe and a mask that looks like a fencer's cage, made a striking appearance by "stealing" the Olympic torch from a group of kids and then embarked on an acrobatic journey through the city, stopping at famous monuments along the route.

There has been a lot of talk and speculation on social media regarding who this masked torch bearer might be, but no concrete details have been shared. The outfit of this character was drawn from various figures in French folklore, such as Belphgor, the Iron Mask, the Phantom of the Opera, Fantomas, Ezio from Assassin's Creed, and Arsène Lupin. It's still not clear if this masked torch bearer will be the last to light the Olympic cauldron or if they are merely passing the torch to another individual. The character has been portrayed as a key player in the opening ceremony, making multiple appearances as the torch travels through various areas of Paris.

Who Are the Final Torch Bearers?

The final torch bearers at the Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony included several notable figures:

Zinedine Zidane:

The famous French soccer icon, Zinedine Zidane, took part in the last torch relay during the ceremony. He got the torch from the masked torch runner and had a major part in the event.

Snoop Dogg:

The American hip-hop artist Snoop Dogg was privileged to serve as one of the last torchbearers. He performed while holding the Olympic torch as it made its way through the Parisian suburb of Saint-Denis, right before the commencement of the opening ceremony.

Who Lit the Olympic Cauldron in Paris?

During the Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony, the Olympic cauldron was ignited by two torchbearers, Teddy Riner and Marie-José Pérec. They were privileged to perform this task, which involved lighting the cauldron that was suspended from a hot-air balloon. Following its ignition, the cauldron ascended into the Parisian heavens, offering a breathtaking visual display.

The moment the cauldron was lit marked the conclusion of an extraordinary Opening Ceremony, signifying the commencement of the Olympic Games. The cauldron, crafted by French designer Mathieu Lehanneur, is a massive ring of fire with a towering balloon on top.

History of the Olympic flame

The Olympic flame is initially ignited in Olympia, Greece, serving as a homage to the ancient Olympic games that laid the foundation for contemporary competitions. This particular torch was introduced in April. Following this, the flame is transported, both by athletes and various modes of transport, to the city that will host the event.

This year's journey is shorter than usual, as Paris is also located in Europe, yet it concludes with the same grand finale: the illumination of the Olympic cauldron during the opening ceremony, signifying the unofficial commencement of the Summer Olympics.

The International Olympic Committee explains that the flame represents "the enduring positive values linked to the symbolism of fire," thereby bridging the gap between the ancient and the modern Olympic Games.

Individuals Who Lit the Olympic Cauldron

Here are the final 10 people who ignited the Olympic cauldron during the Summer Olympics preceding 2024: