The woman then lights the torch of the first relay bearer . Starting the Olympic torch relay that will carry the flame to the host city 's Olympic stadium . A female performer , acting as a priestess , ignites a torch by placing it inside a parabolic mirror which focuses the sun 's rays ; she then lights the torch of the first relay bearer , thus initiating the Olympic torch relay that will carry the flame to the host city 's Olympic stadium , where it plays an important role in the opening ceremony .