On Sunday, the Olympic torch was lit during a ceremony at the Temple of Hera in Olympia, Greece. It then began its’ 123-day relay culminating with the opening ceremony for the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia.
Paying tribute to the Greek god Apollo, the torch was by reelecting sunlight through a parabolic mirror. 18-year-old alpine skier Ioannis Antoniou was the first to carry the torch; before giving way to Washington Capitals captain Alexander Ovechkin.
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and something I will never forget," said Ovechkin.
Ovechkin was the first Russian to carry the torch. He was granted leave by the Capitals; missing Saturday’s preseason contest. He is expected however, to be in the lineup when Washington takes on the defending Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks to open their season on Tuesday.
Last season, Ovechkin won the Maurice Richard Trophy as the league’s leading goal scorer 32. He also was the recipient of the Hart Memorial Trophy, awarded to the regular season MVP. In 48 games, he had 56 points. He also played for, and served as captain for Dynamo Moskva of the KHL during the lockout, scoring 40 points in 30 games.
