Call it a case of unfortunate timing, but right around the time Russian President Vladimir Putin was making a televised speech about the “momentous” occasion of the Olympic torch arriving in Russia, the flame went out.
The torch had to be relighted using a cigarette lighter, BBC reported.
Mr. Putin was taking part in a ceremony on live television to commemorate the Winter Games in Sochi, Russia, calling the occasion a “shared dream” that was “becoming reality.” He also said the games show “respect for equality and diversity — ideals that are so intertwined with the ideals of the Olympic movement itself,” BBC reported.
“Today is a joyous and momentous day,” Mr. Putin said. “The Olympic flame — the symbol of the planet’s main sports event, the symbol of peace and friendship — has arrived in Russia, and in a few minutes it will be on its way around our huge country.”
Just before the start of the relay, and while a runner was carrying it through the Kremlin, the flame on the torch went out, however. A security guard stepped in to relight it — with a cigarette lighter he pulled from his pocket.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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