After World War II, London 1948 maintained and further developed these traditions. The torch relay was solemnly kindled in front of a huge hoarding bearing the Baron de Coubertin quotation: “The important thing in the Olympic Games is not winning but taking part. The essential thing in life is not conquering but fighting well.” By this time, a pattern had emerged for the opening ceremony: a speech promoting peace and fraternity from the chairman of the IOC; the lighting of the Olympic flame; the release of doves; the Parade of Nations; an anthem; some artistic demonstrations to sum up the host nation. And symbolism started to become an important element too. At Tokyo 1964, the flame was ignited by 19-year-old Yoshinori Sakai, who had been born in Hiroshima on the very day of the atomic bombing.
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