The Olympic flame has taken to Twitter to express its relief at being re-lit for the Rio 2016 torch relay.
The flame's official account tweeted on Thursday, offering revealing insight into its difficult existence since being extinguished at the end of the 2012 Games in London.
After spending years in the darkness I can’t wait to see the light of day again. Almost time to return
— Olympic Flame (@OlympicFlame) April 21, 2016
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But upon its ignition in Greece ahead of a 12,000-mile journey across Brazil to Rio de Janeiro, the flame's spirits lifted.
I’m back! #OlympicFlame
— Olympic Flame (@OlympicFlame) April 21, 2016
The @OlympicFlame has been lit! #OlympicTorch pic.twitter.com/HjO6Ze02Bg
— Rio 2016 (@Rio2016_en) April 21, 2016
The first of more than 10,000 torchbearers charged with guarding the flame on its journey was Greek artistic gymnast Eleftherios Petrounias.
A personal message from the first torchbearer @Petrounias_E. #OlympicFlame pic.twitter.com/NJZa9UhNpw
— Olympic Flame (@OlympicFlame) April 21, 2016
Petrounias then handed the torch to the first Brazilian participant, former volleyball star Giovane Gavio.
I'm now in the hands of the first Brazilian torchbearer, two-time @Olympics champion volleyball player @giovanegavio. 🇧🇷 #OlympicFlame
— Olympic Flame (@OlympicFlame) April 21, 2016
The flame promises to post regular updates via its official account. One can only hope it is using a fireproof keyboard.