Is the Olympic torch so important?
The flame is one of the most important symbols of the Olympic Games. It represents the fire Prometheus stole from the Greek god Zeus. The relay ends at the site of that year’s Olympic Games. There, the flame is used to light the cauldron during the opening ceremony.
Who lit the Olympic flame in 1972?
People who have lit the Olympic cauldron
| Games | Location | Lighter |
|---|---|---|
| 1968 Summer | Mexico City | Enriqueta Basilio |
| 1972 Winter | Sapporo | Hideki Takada |
| 1972 Summer | Munich | Günther Zahn |
| 1976 Winter | Innsbruck | Christl Haas |
Did Matt Smith carry the Olympic torch?
On 26 May 2012, Eleventh Doctor actor Matt Smith carried the Olympic torch from the historic Norwegian Church in Cardiff Bay to the National Assembly building, as part of the torch’s tour around the United Kingdom.
Who carries the torch in the Olympics?
Although most of the time the torch with the Olympic flame is still carried by runners, it has been transported in many different ways. The fire travelled by boat in 1948 and 2012 to cross the English Channel and was carried by rowers in Canberra as well as by dragon boat in Hong Kong in 2008.
Is the Olympic torch always lit?
And while this relay has been largely spectator-free, the flame’s destination remains the same: the Olympic cauldron, which stays lit for the duration of the Games. Over the decades, the torch’s appearance has become an important part of the custom.
Did David Tennant run with the Olympic torch?
In a previous life the Doctor, then played by David Tennant, went forward in time to carry the Olympic torch in London in 2012. A jubilant crowd of more than 25,000 people greeted the Olympic torch relay when it returned inland to Caerphilly.
Did Dr who carry the Olympic torch?
The star of the BBC drama Doctor Who, Matt Smith, has started the eighth day of the Olympic torch relay from Cardiff. Speaking shortly before his run, Matt Smith said it was “a great privilege” and that he was “thrilled so many people had turned out”.
How heavy is the Olympic torch?
Torch Specifications
| Length | 710mm |
|---|---|
| Total weight | 1.2kg (the torch weighs 1kg, while the combustion component weighs 0.2kg). |
| Colours | Sakura and gold |
What was the Olympic torch used for in 1956?
1956 Melbourne Olympics: Group with square portable cushion with handle (haven’t seen this type before); rectangular cushion with rounded corners; carry bag with torch, rings & ‘Olympic Games Melbourne 1956’. (Qty 3 items)
What does the Los Angeles Olympic torch look like?
It features the plaque of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and the Olympic Cauldron. This gives clues to the torchbearers on what the cauldron would look like. The design of the torch, engraved with two dragons symbolizing the harmony of East and West.
What do the reeds on the Olympic torch mean?
The unique character of the torch is in the leather sheath of the handle. It resembles a flower pot and a cauldron. It has the words XXV Olimpiada Barcelona 1992 and the logo. It resembles a Greek column. It features 22 aluminum “reeds” intended to represent the number of times that the Games had been held.
How tall was the Sydney 2000 Olympic torch?
2000 2000 Sydney Olympics Torch, aluminium and stainless steel, curved, 78 cm tall, used in Torch Relay; together with relay uniform and album of photographs & ephemera. Ex Harry Gallagher collection.
When was the last time the Olympic torch was sold?
With 22 held by collectors, the ’52 Torch is one of the most sought after items among buyers. The last one sold in Paris in April, 2011. 6. Lake Placid 1980 Olympic gold medal, ice hockey The gold medal won by Mark Wells, a member of the ‘miracle on ice’ Team USA that beat Russia in the ’80 Games. 7. Grenoble 1968 torch
How much does the Olympic torch weigh?
The torch weighed 462 grams, was 27cm tall; 155mm diameter of the top and 87mm diameter at the bottom. The fuel was Magnesium based. On the handle was the inscription “fackelstaffel-lauf olympia- berlin 1936 ” (in German meaning “Olympic Torch relay Berlin 1936”), with Olympic rings and the German eagle superimposed.
Who was the designer of the Olympic torch in 1948?
1948: The torch for the London Games was designed by Ralph Laver and was said to be inspired by the torches of ancient Greece and Rome, with a chalice-shaped top.
What does the triangular shape of the Olympic torch mean?
The triangular shape of torches represents the three Olympic values (respect, excellence and friendship), elements of the Olympic motto – faster, higher, stronger, Olympic Games hosted by the United Kingdom ( 1908, 1948 and 2012 ), tri-vision of the 2012 Summer Olympics ( sport, education and culture ). The Olympic torch is gold.
