The organizing committee of the Games unveiled yesterday, the new Olympic torch, which will cross all of France and more, until its arrival in the capital. An emblem, a sign of recognition, a mascot? One thing is for sure, the receptacle that houses one of the most famous flames in the world, has an air of power.
The summer calendar of the Games is loaded to say the least. After the unveiling of the various celebration sites, as well as the premium partnership of the LVMH group, unveiled on Monday, it is now the Olympic flame’s turn to show itself. A receptacle that will host the mythical flame in Marseille, after having passed through Athens in Greece, for the start of the relay, from May 8, 2024. Only 10 months to go before this grandiose and world-wide show.
A unique and innovative design
The designer of the future 2024 torch? Mathieu Lehanneur. A French artist and designer with many successes, his works now reside in renowned artistic venues such as the Moma in New York, the Pompidou Centre in Paris and the Design Museum in Belgium. And so it was to this “champion of intellectual agility” that the Olympic torch project was entrusted.
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For the design, it took six months of gestation and only one prototype to achieve this result: “Three axes were explored. The equality, through a symmetry between the bottom and the top of the torch, the city of Paris and its relationship to the Seine, with effects of waves, reliefs and vibrations on the middle of the torch, soothing, with soft and rounded curves, to remind that this torch, is above all a sign of generosity,” he told France Info.
This new torch, with a lunar design, almost spatial, measures 70 cm high, with a diameter of 3.5 centimeters at the ends and 10 cm center. She wears a champagne dress and weighs 1.5 kg.
In terms of materials, we had to look to the future in terms of ecology. That is why it is made of recycled and used steel, with a thickness of 0.7 millimetres.
On the manufacturing side, the beginning of the implementation process, the first three stages, was ensured in France, in the Loire, then in Moselle at ArcelorMittal. She then moved to two new locations for final fitness. ArcelorMittal, the world-renowned steel company, was already built for the 2012 Summer Games in London.
The flame and its container, being the same for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, will be designed in 2,000 copies. 1,500 reserved for the Olympic Torch Relay and 500 for the Paralympic Relay.
A much lower figure than previous editions.
The Olympic Flame: a story of connection and sharing
This new flame is a true symbol in every respect. According to the Games Organizing Committee, this torch represents three markers from the 2024 Paris Games.
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Equality, which is found in the perfect symmetry of design. These Games will be the first in history to be completely equal.
Water, recalled by the effects of relief, like small waves that come and go. This element occupies a special place this year. Between the crossing of the oceans and the games in the Seine, it is constantly linked to the world sporting event.
And finally, appeasement, due to the purity of its shape and rounding: “The Olympic and Paralympic Games have always been a symbol of peace. From ancient Greece, the Olympic Flame carries a message of unity to peoples and nations! The Torch is a mythical object that will embody the arrival of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in France and Paris!” can you read on the Committee’s social networks.
After the presentation to the press, comes the one to the athletes. It was revealed to them yesterday afternoon, on a part of the venue of the opening ceremony, on the banks of the Seine, for an even more symbolic aspect.
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All that remains is to wait for this spectacular passing of the torch, which will go to 11,000 torchbearers.
Read also >THE EVOLUTION OF THE MEDALS OF THE OLYMPIC GAMES
Featured photo : © Press
