Now just 400 days out from the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, athletes and fans are treated to a glimpse of one of the most iconic symbols of the historic competition, the Olympic torch. Via the Rio 2016 website, as well as in the video, sports enthusiasts can get a glimpse into not only the hardware design of the torch, but of the feelings and emotions behind its formation.
Brazil’s unique spin on the traditional design includes four distinct layers of the instrument, each representing a characteristic of the host country. As one would anticipate, ‘gold’ is the color of the top of the torch, symbolizing the sun, which illuminates and shines as the highest level of the games. Beneath is ‘green’, paying homage to Brazil’s mountains, hills and valleys. The final two colors on the torch are ‘light blue’ and ‘dark blue’, representing the country’s gorgeous coastline and Brazil’s famous Copacabana Promenade, respectively.
Not only will the symbols of peace, unity and friendship be passed along with each ‘kiss’, or hand-off from bearer to bearer, but the torch physically opens to reveal each of the colorful levels. One can experience this for themselves via the Rio 2016 website, where a few clicks allow you to interactively check out each component of the eye-catching work of art. Designers of the torch aim to mix the concepts of movement, innovation and tradition with the warmth and overall flavor of the Brazilian culture.
Upon its conclusion the Rio 2016 Olympic torch relay, which will begin with a ceremony in Olympia Greece in May, 2016, will have covered 12,000 miles in a span of 90-100 days across Brazil. The Olympic cauldron is slated to be lit at the Maracana Stadium on August 5, 2016.
GORGEOUS! BEAUTIFUL! INSPIRING! The torch truly is a piece of art and the video speaks for itself. I applaud the designer of the torch and creator of the video. No one could have done a better job. Well done! Bravo!