On May 23, after an early morning departure from Saint-Emilion, a wine country classified as World Heritage, then through Libourne, the flame arrived at Bordeaux Métropôle, initially in Lormont and then ended after a trip to the suburbs, in Bordeaux with a triumphal entrance, crossing the historic streets from the right bank.
The relay passed through the Pont de Pierre, the water mirror and the Place de la Bourse, for a memorable closing with a show in the heart of the Bordeaux heritage Place des Quinconces, at the foot of the Colonne des Girondins.
May this flame continue to inspire and unite!
The Olympic torch for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games measures 70 cm and weighs 1.5 kg. Designed by Mathieu Lehanneur, it stands out for its perfect horizontal and vertical symmetry, symbolizing equality, and will mark a historic first with an equal number of male and female participants.
The design of the torch highlights two symbols: water, recalled by its effects of relief and light in reference to the Seine, and appeasement, illustrated by the purity of its rounded shapes, which represent peace . It will be produced in 2000 copies, much less than the 12,000 of the previous editions, to reduce the carbon footprint.
The manufacture of the torch involves several industrial sites in France, with Arcelor Mittal supplying the steel and a goldsmith in Vire (Calvados) carrying out the finishes. The steel pieces then receive a specific technological coating to ensure that the flame remains lit in any weather conditions.
The torch relay will involve 11,000 bearers and begins with the arrival of the flame from Athens to Marseille on May 8, 2024. The torch will pass through 400 cities, including iconic locations such as the palaces of Versailles and Fontainebleau , before arriving in Paris for the opening ceremony.
Shared between the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the torch, along with the emblem and mascots, will be used in both events. After the conclusion of the Olympic Games, the flame will be relit in Stoke Mandeville for the Paralympic Games, with a separate relay of 1,000 bearers, leading to the opening ceremony on 28 August 2024.
Finally, the initial lighting of the Olympic flame was performed in Olympia, Greece, by the sun’s rays, continuing a tradition dating back to the 1936 Games in Berlin.
A report Photos by ©️ Marc Chaillou – All rights reserved
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