The torch and the Olympic flame are two of the greatest symbols of Olympism. The origin of the Olympic flame goes back to the Ancient Olympic Games through the course of which a sacred flame burned continuously at the altar of Zeus.
Now an integral part of the flame, the torch and relay appeared for the first time at the 1936 Games in Berlin.
3D TORCH
The torches, like the medals, are rare and unique. Discover the torch in 3D.
Every two years, some months before the opening of the Games, the sun's rays and a parabolic mirror are used to light the Olympic flame in Olympia in Greece (Peloponnese), at the same place where the Ancient Games took place. Once lit, it is passed on from hand to hand and travels across the continent and the host country before arriving at its destination, in the city hosting the Games.
For this edition of the Games, more than 11,000 runners will participate in the Torch Relay, which is covering 46 states of the 50 that make up the United States of America. This journey concludes in Salt Lake City at the Opening Ceremony of the XIX Olympic Winter Games, on 8 February 2002. With the closing of the Games it returns to Greece.
