How to Transport the Olympic Torch

The most traditional form of transport for the torch is the runner.

The Olympic torch has been a symbol of international athletic competition since 1936, when it was carried in a relay for the summer Olympic Games from Athens to Berlin. Today, the Olympic torch begins in Athens and is carried across a specially planned route that changes according to the host city. The torch has been carried by foot, on skis, by parachutists, snowmobile, airplane, horseback, camel, wagon, boat, and even by swimmers.

Things You'll Need

• Olympic torch
• Parabolic mirror
• Gas cartridges (one for each torch bearer)
• Backup flame
• Security lamp for air travel
• Cauldron for preserving the flame at night

Instructions

1. Light the Olympic torch using a parabolic mirror to capture the sun's rays, igniting the gas cartridge inside.

2. Light a backup torch in case the original torch goes out. This backup torch will be transported specially by a more protected means of travel (such as by vehicle rather than runner) to protect it from the weather to ensure that the Olympic flame continuously burns in case the torch goes out and needs to be re-lit from the original flame.

3. Carry the torch across the pre-planned route; switching torch bearers according to the plan. When torch bearers are changed, change the gas cartridge to ensure that the flame doesn't go out. If the torch needs to travel by air, light the security lamp that is specially designed for air travel. At night, light the cauldrons designed to keep the flame burning overnight. Relight the torch in the morning or after air travel from the protected flame.

4. Light the fire at the Olympic stadium in the host city.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are responsible for transporting the torch, be sure to stick to your schedule or the torch may run out of fuel and go out.

References

• The Olympic Museum: The Olympic Flame and Torch Relay
• NPR: How Do You Transport a Burning Olympic Torch?

Resources

• Official Site of the Olympic Movement