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This article was first published 12 years ago

Five facts about the London Olympics torch

Last updated on: May 11, 2012 07:14 IST

Image: Sebastian Coe with the Olympic torch
Photographs: Getty Images

The London 2012 Olympics torch was lit by the sun's rays in ancient Olympia on Thursday, kicking off a relay that will culminate with the lighting of the Olympic stadium's cauldron during the opening ceremony on July 27. 

- PHOTOS: London 2012 torch lit in Olympia

Here are five facts about the torch: 

Dubbed the "cheesegrater", it is perforated with 8,000 holes that represent each person who will carry it on the British leg of the torch relay.


Tags: London , PHOTOS

Five facts about the London 2012 torch

Image: Olympic Torch
Photographs: Reuters

* Its triangular shape symbolises the three times that London has been awarded the Games in 1908, 1948 and 2012; the faster, higher stronger motto of the Olympic movement and the sport, education and culture triple vision of the 2012 Games.

Tags: London

Five facts about the London 2012 torch

Image: Olympic Torch
Photographs: Reuters

* The gold-coloured torch is made up of an inner and an outer aluminium alloy skin held in place by a cast top piece and base.

Tags: London

Five facts about the London 2012 torch

Image: Olympic Torch
Photographs: Reuters

* Laser cutting of 8,000 circular holes into each torch was done at a rate of 16 every second - the lack of such technology in the past would have prevented such a torch from being used for the Olympics.

Tags: London

Five facts about the London 2012 torch

Image: Olympic Torch
Photographs: Getty Images
The torch weighs 1kg including the burner and gas canister and stands 800 mm high


Tags: London
Source: REUTERS
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