LOS ANGELES, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Atlanta has been confirmed as the first stop of the LA28 Olympic torch relay in the United States, with the flame set to travel across all 50 U.S. states before arriving in Los Angeles for the 2028 Olympic Games, organizers announced on Tuesday.
The relay will begin with the traditional lighting of the Olympic flame in Ancient Olympia, Greece, followed by a short relay across the country. The flame will then be handed over at the historic Panathenaic Stadium in Athens before beginning its journey across the United States.
Atlanta, host of the 1996 Olympic Games, was chosen as the first U.S. stop, linking the legacy of the last Summer Olympics held in the United States with LA28.
"Every Olympic Games begin with a single flame, and transporting that flame to Los Angeles is an honor and privilege that we'll share with every corner of the country, as Americans in all 50 states carry the flame on its path to our opening ceremony," said LA28 Chairperson and President Casey Wasserman.
After departing Atlanta, the flame will pass landmarks and visit major cultural and sporting events, with select cities set to host special celebrations along the way.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens welcomed the flame's return to the city.
"Thirty years ago, Atlanta welcomed the world. The 1996 Centennial Olympic Games changed this city," Dickens said. "When the flame returns to the U.S., Atlanta will be ready. Ready to welcome it from Greece. Ready to celebrate the spirit of the Games together as a community. And ready to send it forward toward Los Angeles and the next chapter of America's Olympic story."
Organizers said the complete route will be revealed in 2027, with the relay scheduled to begin in spring 2028 and conclude at the LA28 opening ceremony. ■
