The Olympic Torch is an enduring symbol of the Olympic Games, representing peace, unity, and the enduring spirit of competition. The tradition dates back to the ancient Olympic Games in Greece, where a sacred flame burned throughout the festivities, signifying the theft of fire from the Greek god Zeus by Prometheus.
Modern Revival
The modern torch relay began in 1936 for the Berlin Games, conceptualized by Carl Diem. Since then, the relay has become a vital precursor to the Games, starting with the lighting of the torch at Olympia, Greece. This ceremony is performed by actresses dressed as priestesses, using a parabolic mirror to ignite the flame with the sun’s rays.
The torch then embarks on a journey across various countries and continents, carried by thousands of torchbearers. Each torchbearer runs a segment of the route, often chosen for their inspiring stories and contributions to their communities. This relay not only promotes the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect but also builds excitement and global anticipation for the Games.
Design and Innovation
Each Olympic Torch is uniquely designed to reflect the culture and spirit of the host country. It incorporates modern technology and innovative materials, ensuring it can withstand diverse weather conditions and remain lit throughout its journey. The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Torch was designed by Mathieu Lehanneur. It features a symmetrical form that embodies the parity between male and female athletes.
The Final Leg
The relay culminates with the lighting of the Olympic cauldron at the opening ceremony of the Games, marking the official start of the competitions. This moment is often one of the most memorable, symbolising the gathering of nations and the beginning of a period of athletic excellence and international camaraderie.
In Paris, for the first time ever, the ceremony will not take place in a stadium. Instead, it will take place on the river Seine with 94 boats carrying athletes where they pass by some of the venues where the Olympic Games will take place. The ambitious idea was to bring the tone-setting spectacle out of an expensively ticketed stadium and into the city where many more people can see it. A crowd of 320,000 people is expected on the riverbanks along the 6-kilometer (3.7-mile) route from Pont d’Austerlitz to Pont d’Iéna.
The Paris 2024 Olympic Torch represents a bridge between past and future, connecting diverse cultures through the universal values of the Olympic Games. The 2024 Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony officially begins at 7:30 p.m. local time in Paris. That means it will start at 1:30 p.m. Eastern, 12:30 p.m. Central, 11:30 a.m. Mountain and 10:30 a.m. Pacific. The Olympic flame for the Paris 2024 Games will take up residence in the Jardin des Tuileries [the green lung of Paris].
Cover Image Source: Clarisse Agbegnenou’s IG official account
Inside Image Source: Romane Dicko’s IG official account
Author: Szandra Szogedi