Menu
08/06/2011
London 2012 Unveils Olympic Torch Design
The London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) have unveiled a prototype of the London 2012 Olympic Torch that will be carried by 8,000 inspirational Torchbearers on its journey across the UK next summer.
The Torch stands 800mm high, and has a gold colour finish that embraces the qualities of the Olympic Flame.
The Torch celebrates the best of British design, engineering and manufacturing talent and reflects the celebratory nature of the Olympic Torch Relay and the Olympic Games.
It has been designed by internationally-acclaimed designers Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby, in partnership with Basildon-based product engineers Tecosim and Coventry based manufacturers The Premier Group.
At 800mm high and weighing just 800g, the Torch is one of the most lightweight in the history of the Olympic Movement. Its gold-coloured form is perforated by 8,000 small cut-out circles, representing the 8,000 Torchbearers and their stories of personal achievement. The circles, which run the length of the Torch, will also offer a unique level of transparency, allowing people to see right into its heart, and help keep the Torch cool.
The triangular design has been inspired by the multiples of three identified across the vision and delivery of the Olympic Games. These include the three Olympic Values of respect, excellence and friendship; the fact the UK has hosted the Olympic Games three times; and the vision for the London 2012 Olympic Games to combine three strands of work – sport, education and culture.
Sebastian Coe, LOCOG Chair, said: “The Torch that carries the Olympic Flame during the Olympic Torch Relay is one of the most recognisable and significant symbols of an Olympic Games. Members of the public right across the UK are busy nominating inspiring people to be Torchbearers and I am thrilled we have a beautifully designed, engineered and crafted Torch for them to carry.
“Integral to the design are the 8,000 circles, a lasting representation of the Torchbearer stories of personal achievement or contribution to their local community that will be showcased with every step of the Relay.”
Designers Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby explained: “As designers, this is quite simply the best project going: to design an icon for the Games. We have worked hard to develop a Torch that celebrates the Relay, and reflects the passion for London and the Olympic Games. We wanted to make the most of pioneering production technologies and to demonstrate the industrial excellence available in the UK – it's a Torch for our time.”
The LOCOG ‘Moment to Shine’ Torchbearer nomination campaign aims to find 2,012 inspirational members of the public to carry the Olympic Flame on its 8,000 mile journey across the UK next summer.
(BMcN/GK)
The Torch stands 800mm high, and has a gold colour finish that embraces the qualities of the Olympic Flame.
The Torch celebrates the best of British design, engineering and manufacturing talent and reflects the celebratory nature of the Olympic Torch Relay and the Olympic Games.
It has been designed by internationally-acclaimed designers Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby, in partnership with Basildon-based product engineers Tecosim and Coventry based manufacturers The Premier Group.
At 800mm high and weighing just 800g, the Torch is one of the most lightweight in the history of the Olympic Movement. Its gold-coloured form is perforated by 8,000 small cut-out circles, representing the 8,000 Torchbearers and their stories of personal achievement. The circles, which run the length of the Torch, will also offer a unique level of transparency, allowing people to see right into its heart, and help keep the Torch cool.
The triangular design has been inspired by the multiples of three identified across the vision and delivery of the Olympic Games. These include the three Olympic Values of respect, excellence and friendship; the fact the UK has hosted the Olympic Games three times; and the vision for the London 2012 Olympic Games to combine three strands of work – sport, education and culture.
Sebastian Coe, LOCOG Chair, said: “The Torch that carries the Olympic Flame during the Olympic Torch Relay is one of the most recognisable and significant symbols of an Olympic Games. Members of the public right across the UK are busy nominating inspiring people to be Torchbearers and I am thrilled we have a beautifully designed, engineered and crafted Torch for them to carry.
“Integral to the design are the 8,000 circles, a lasting representation of the Torchbearer stories of personal achievement or contribution to their local community that will be showcased with every step of the Relay.”
Designers Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby explained: “As designers, this is quite simply the best project going: to design an icon for the Games. We have worked hard to develop a Torch that celebrates the Relay, and reflects the passion for London and the Olympic Games. We wanted to make the most of pioneering production technologies and to demonstrate the industrial excellence available in the UK – it's a Torch for our time.”
The LOCOG ‘Moment to Shine’ Torchbearer nomination campaign aims to find 2,012 inspirational members of the public to carry the Olympic Flame on its 8,000 mile journey across the UK next summer.
(BMcN/GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 May 2011
First Olympic Torch Relay Locations Announced
From Lands End to London via all the nations and regions of the UK, the first locations on the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay route have been announced.
First Olympic Torch Relay Locations Announced
From Lands End to London via all the nations and regions of the UK, the first locations on the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay route have been announced.
20 April 2012
Full Dress Rehearsal For Olympic Torch Relay
A full practice run of the Olympic torch relay is taking place today on an 80-mile stretch from Leicester to Peterborough. Roads along the route will be closed as Games organiser Locog traces the journey the torch will make on 3 July. The rehearsal will test the convoy, crew and communication procedures of the relay, which starts on 19 May.
Full Dress Rehearsal For Olympic Torch Relay
A full practice run of the Olympic torch relay is taking place today on an 80-mile stretch from Leicester to Peterborough. Roads along the route will be closed as Games organiser Locog traces the journey the torch will make on 3 July. The rehearsal will test the convoy, crew and communication procedures of the relay, which starts on 19 May.
27 July 2011
London 2012 Celebrates 'Year To Go'
With exactly one year to go until the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games, organisers confirm that preparations for the Games are on track and London’s vision to host Olympic and Paralympic Games that inspire the world and acts as a catalyst for lasting change, is set to become reality.
London 2012 Celebrates 'Year To Go'
With exactly one year to go until the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games, organisers confirm that preparations for the Games are on track and London’s vision to host Olympic and Paralympic Games that inspire the world and acts as a catalyst for lasting change, is set to become reality.
25 March 2004
Olympic torch lit in Athens as Games countdown begins
The countdown to the Athens 2004 Olympic Games began today with the lighting of the Olympic flame in ancient Olympia, Greece. The lighting ceremony featured a high priestess who lit the Olympic flame in the Temple of Hera using a parabolic mirror to capture the sun’s rays and ignite an Olympic torch.
Olympic torch lit in Athens as Games countdown begins
The countdown to the Athens 2004 Olympic Games began today with the lighting of the Olympic flame in ancient Olympia, Greece. The lighting ceremony featured a high priestess who lit the Olympic flame in the Temple of Hera using a parabolic mirror to capture the sun’s rays and ignite an Olympic torch.
18 April 2013
Six-Time Olympic Gold Medalist Sir Chris Hoy Retires
Six-time Olympic gold medalist Chris Hoy has announced he is to retire from cycling, ending speculation that he would compete at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Hoy, who won two gold medals in London alongside11 world titles, said: "I wanted to get a medal for Scotland. I didn't think I could so wanted someone else to take my place.
Six-Time Olympic Gold Medalist Sir Chris Hoy Retires
Six-time Olympic gold medalist Chris Hoy has announced he is to retire from cycling, ending speculation that he would compete at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Hoy, who won two gold medals in London alongside11 world titles, said: "I wanted to get a medal for Scotland. I didn't think I could so wanted someone else to take my place.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
