TORINO 2006

The amazing evolution of the olympic torches design

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NATIONS: 80

ATHLETES: 2.508 (960 W - 1.548 M)

EVENTS: 84

TORCHBEARERS: 10.001

KM: 11.300 (Greece, France, San Marino, Slovenia, Austria, Switzerland and Italy)

LAST TORCHBEARER: Stefania Belmondo, cross country skiing, winner of the olympic medals, two of them gold

Created by Pininfarina, this torch was awarded the price Lorenzo il Magnifico – the maximum recognition of the Biennale of Contemporary Art in Florence. Pininfarina used dynamic and innovative shapes that resemble a ski but also the Mole Antonelliana, symbol of Turin, for a modern interpretation of the traditional torch made of wood; the flame envelopes the body of the torch, instead of coming out of a hole on top, as has been the case in the past.

The torch is made of a set of details which are studied to be simple, strong and reliable in the different climatic conditions in order to guarantee the maximum security to the torchbearers. Memorable Opening Ceremony with Juri Chechi with Roberto Bolle, Joko Ono, the dove of peace, the legendary Vanessa Ferrari, the beautiful Carla Bruni and Eva Erzigova with a moving ending: the legendary Pavarotti intoned with his last strengths a «vincerò» standing on a loft which was fixed on the ice. A moment that opened the heart of the 4 billion viewers. Tomba entered the stadium with the Olympic Flame and passed the baton to Belmondo; the Games were opened. In Turin 10.991 torchbearers traveled 11.300 km, starting from Olympia and passing through France, Slovenia, Austria, Switzerland and San Marino. For the first time, live video coverage of the Olympic Games was available on mobile phones.

The Torino 2006 brazier, with a height of 57 m, is reported to be the tallest brazier in the history of the Olympic Games. With a population of more than 900,000, Turin became the largest city ever to host the Winter Olympic Games. The exciting sport of snowboard cross was included in the Olympic program for the first time in 2006. Competitors raced against each other in groups of four on a course that includes banked turns, jumps and difficult terrain. Official opening of the Games by President of the Italian Republic Carlo Azeglio Ciampi.