RIO DE JANEIRO — Sometimes it is one of the most famous athletes in the world, like Muhammad Ali in 1996. Other times it is an archer or a cross-country skier whose name you will never hear again. But whoever it is, the person who lights the caldron at the opening ceremony is given one of the highest honors at an Olympics.
Generally, the distinction goes to a successful Olympian from the host country. He or she is often retired, but not always: Cathy Freeman lit the torch in Sydney in 2000, then went on to win the women’s 400 meters there.