Syrian refugee Ibrahim al-Hussein, an amputee swimmer, prepares to receive the Olympic Flame, during the Olympic Flame torch relay at the Eleonas refugee camp in Athens, Greece, April 26, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

Al-Hussein, wearing a wristband with the Greek flag, is not in that team but said he hoped to compete for Greece. "I really hope to reach the Olympics in Rio - but with Greece. I love Greece," he said with a laugh.

Spyros Capralos, head of the Hellenic Olympic Committee, said al-Hussein would be competing in a national swimming championship in coming days. "We hope that he will make it to Rio," he said. He did not say what events al-Hussein could compete in.

The Olympic torch was lit in Ancient Olympia in southern Greece on Thursday, starting a six-day relay across the country. It will be handed over to Brazil on Wednesday and arrives in Brazil on May 3 for a 100-day relay across the country.

Related story: 100 days to go: Will Rio be ready for Olympics?