Jamaican sprint legend Usain Bolt today helped to unveil the Olympic and Paralympic torch for the Paris 2024 games in the French capital.
The unveiling took place on the river Seine near the famous Eiffel Tower.
Bolt, who won eight Olympic gold medals, was a specially invited guest at the unveiling with the design imitating the reflection of the Eiffel Tower on the ruffled surface of the river Seine and conveys a peaceful energy.
Creator of the Torch Mathieu Lehanneur said the rounded torch was symmetrical from top to bottom and through 360 degrees, its soft curves representing peacefulness and its symmetry standing for equality between athletes.
It’s made with lightweight polished steel and with a champagne colour, the torch’s lower half features a relief pattern that mimics the movement of the Seine, along which the opening ceremony will be held before more than half a million spectators.
The torch will be lit at Greece’s ancient Olympia, the birthplace of the Games on April 16, marking the countdown to the Games in the French capital that begin on July 26 next year.
