Greece: The Olympic Torch Relay in Ancient Olympia – An Ideal Showcase for International Political Protest

Ancient Olympia's Olympic Torch Relay served as a potent platform for international political protest, particularly concerning China. The study reveals that the 2008 ceremony and subsequent relay were framed within Greece's complex social and cultural context, with media portrayals reflecting broader political tensions. Analyzing news reports from two TV stations (NET and MEGA CHANNEL), two national newspapers (Kathimerini and Eleftherotypia), and online sources, the research highlights how the event became intertwined with significant geopolitical issues, including China's role in the Olympics and a doping scandal involving Greece. This demonstrates the relay's dual significance as both a sporting tradition and a stage for political discourse.

Panagiotopoulou, R. (2010). Greece: The Olympic Torch Relay in Ancient Olympia – An Ideal Showcase for International Political Protest. The International Journal of the History of Sport, 27(9-10), 1433–1451. https://doi.org/10.1080/09523367.2010.481097