History of the Torch Relay

The Torch Relay is an Olympic symbol of peace, brotherhood and enlightenment and represents a summons to the Olympic Games. The modern-day Torch Relay is derived from ceremonies once a part of the ancient Games of Olympia, Greece. Torch and relay races were important elements of the cultural festivals surrounding the Games, and heralds travelled throughout Greece to announce the Games of Olympia, declaring a sacred truce for the duration of the Games. These events carried a deep ritual significance – a significance that is still respected in the modern-day Olympic Torch Relay.

Quick Facts – Olympic Torch Relay 

• In 1936, the first modern day Olympic Torch Relay took place when the torch travelled from Olympia, Greece to Berlin, Germany.
• At the London 1948 Olympic Summer Games – the first Olympic Games after World War II – the lead torchbearer was a corporal in the Greek army who changed out of his military uniform and laid down his arms to signify the sacred truce before carrying the Olympic Flame.
• The first Olympic Winter Games Torch Relay occurred in 1952 in Oslo, Norway.
• At the Montreal 1976 Olympic Summer Games, the Flame was transformed to an electronic pulse. The pulse was then carried by satellite from Athens to Montreal, where a laser beam was used to light the cauldron. 
• A highlight of the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Summer Games was a special appearance by Muhammad Ali, a former Olympian recognized for his boxing success and battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was selected as the final torchbearer to enter the stadium and light the cauldron in what was a most inspiring moment of the Opening Ceremony.
• The first global relay took place before the Athens 2004 Olympic Summer Games. The journey lasted 78 days, covered a distance of 78,000 kilometres and involved 11,300 torchbearers.