London Olympics Torch Tech

Last week the Olympic torch was lit in Olympia, Greece.  For many this represents the unofficial start of the Games.  Each Games has a uniquely designed torch.  When you look at the different torches through the years, technology plays a huge role in design.  Each year the torch is designed to be aesthetically pleasing, representative of the county or representative of another special aspect of the Games.  However the design goes way beyond ‘looking sharp.’  The torches must also function as a fire-bearing device.

This year’s torch was designed by the Barber Osgerby firm.  The outside is made of aluminum alloy and punctured with 8,000 holes to represent the 8,000 torch-bearers.  The burner, according to bbc.co.uk has “a propane-butane gas canister that can burn for about 10 minutes - will be dropped into the core. When it comes to the relay, these will be turned on to let the gas flow by a torch attendant before the flame is received by the bearer.”

Below are some of my personal favorite torches from the past and the London 2012 Games torch.  Pictures from bbc.co.uk, click here to view torches from many other Games and read some really cool facts about each.

Berlin Summer 1936

Mexico City Summer 1968

Calgary Winter 1988

Sydney Summer 2000

London Summer 2012