Photo credit: RIA Novosti
Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin had the best moment of his life and you slept through the whole thing. Ovi indeed became the first Russian to carry the Olympic torch around 6 AM eastern time. It will now travel through 30 Greek cities before starting its long and ridiculous journey through Russia (and outer space!).
The ceremony in Ancient Olympia, Greece, was elaborate. There were seemingly hundreds of speeches spanning 45 minutes. There was a 15-minute dance number. Doves were released. No, seriously. Then it was Ovi time.
Ovechkin, wearing winter gear in 80-degree Olympia weather, took the flame from a Greek, smiles, and then peaced out.
“Fire! lol bye” (GIFs by welshhockeyfan, who woke up early for this.)
Once Ovechkin handed off the torch to someone else, he jumped on a plane and left the country. He currently is en route to Washington D.C. He is set to arrive in time to travel with his teammates to Chicago for Opening Night.
Congratulations, Ovi. You make us proud.
Video of the lighting ceremony from RT
10 min and im running!))))haha pic.twitter.com/GKpnSLyUmm
— Alex Ovechkin (@ovi8) September 29, 2013
So sick!!!!!!!best moment in my life!!!thx @cocacola and Sochi 2014 !!!! pic.twitter.com/6UQIU48lec
— Alex Ovechkin (@ovi8) September 29, 2013
Additional reporting by Igor Kleyner.
