The fire of the Olympic torch is one of the most important symbols of the Olympics, from its first celebrations in Ancient Greece. Like every four years, on the eve of the new Olympic Games and during the opening ceremony, the torch is the protagonist and its fire is the reference for the start of the most anticipated sporting competition by athletes from all over the world.
The symbology of the fire and the Olympic torch is a representation of the light of the celebration and the lack of this important element was considered a bad omen for the most faithful believers of myths and legends. According to the stories of Greek mythology, Prometheus stole fire from the god Zeus and gave it as a gift to mortals.
Therefore, since the oldest competitions held in the Greek city of Olympia, it was a tradition to keep the fire of the torch burning in honor of the gods and their sacrifices. Any alteration of that commandment was considered a signal to suspend the important event.
In the modern history of the Olympic Games there are records of the use of the torch from the Olympics held in Amsterdam in 1928, back then and until a few decades ago, the fire was kept lit during the month that the ceremony lasted. Later, other elements were included in the ritual that involves the lighting of the torch, such as the relays around the world that are symbolic of the union between peoples. In total, this important symbol lasts for three months.
In order for the torch to resist so many months with live fire and not fulfill the omen of bad luck that symbolizes the ceasefire, it is made with special materials that withstand strong winds and abundant rains. The torch as we know it today is made mainly of aluminum and resin with satin finishes.
Each year the venue of the celebration creates a design for the torch. In the last Olympics held in Rio 2016 and the first in the South American continent, the Brazilians created a representation that represented the historical value of the flame of the Olympics and the human warmth of the Brazilians. The design was mainly composed of three triangles that symbolize the values of the competition: friendship, excellence and respect, with a floating effect representing the effort of the athletes who are the protagonists of each Olympic event. On the other hand, the Brazilian spirit of joy and diversity was reflected with the inclusion of the colors of the national flag.
As a prelude to the opening ceremony of the Rio 2016 Olympics, The torch was lit in the cradle of the Olympic Games, Olimpia, until it reached Brazil, where its fire was felt in 300 cities.
The fire of the Olympic torch has challenged landscapes, heights and weather forecasts. It has climbed Everest, taken to the skies on the Concorde and been transported via satellite and today her symbology as protector of the Olympic Games remains more alive than ever.