Video: Rupert Grint runs with the Olympic Torch

by · July 25, 2012

Earlier today, Rupert Grint – who portrayed Ron Weasley in all of the Harry Potter films – had the distinct privilege of running with the Olympic Torch.

The Olympic Flame has been a symbolic piece of the Olympic Games since it was reintroduced at the 1928 Summer Games in Amsterdam. The origins of the flame go back to the ancient Olympics in Greece and commemorate the theft of fire from the Greek God Zeus by Prometheus, and symbolize how the fire was kept burning throughout the celebration of the games.

The Olympic Torch relay was first introduced by Carl Diem during the controversial 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin. The Torch Relay begins its journey several months before the start of the games in Olympia, home of the original Olympic Games and travels to the host city, which will be London for the 2012 Summer Games. Carrying the Olympic Torch is considered one of the highest honors in sports.

Thanks to Hypable for the tip.