General overview of Modern Summer Olympic Torch relay (photos attached)

2004 Athens Olympic Torch (Credit: IOC)

2004 Athens: Resembling an olive leaf

The emblem of the ATHENS 2004 Olympic Games is a circular wreath made of a branch from an olive tree. The Olive tree is one of the most powerful symbols of Greece. It has been a sacred tree for Mediterranean nations for thousands of years, as well as the ancient symbol of the Athenian City State. It has left an indelible mark in Greece's mythology and art. The olive branch is also a global symbol of peace and freedom.

An olive leaf served as the inspiration for the first Olympic Torch that will travel to all five continents, carrying the message of peace for the Olympic Games of 2004.

The ATHENS 2004 Olympic Torch is designed to resemble an olive leaf. Its form was drawn from the leaf's lines and its harmonious shape. Weighing 700 gr. and standing at 68 cm, the Torch's design was selected to enhance the Flame with its upward dynamic shape.

Its ergonomic design, dominated by curves, establishes the Torch as the continuation of the Flame itself in its free movement. The Flame rises from the Torch as the extension of the Torchbearer's hand. The two-toned sides and gentle stroke of the olive leaf inspired the design. It is made of metal and wood (olive tree) in their natural colors. The designer used the philosophy of "Pan Metron Ariston" (all things in moderation) to give the Torch its structure and beautiful simplicity.

The values of the ATHENS 2004 Olympic Games- Heritage, Human Scale and Participation- are expressed through this design in the most unique and Greek way.

And for the first time in Olympic history the Torch will carry the Olympic Flame, along with the values of the 2004 Games, to all five continents. And then, on August 13th 2004, in the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games in Greece, it will light up the Athens Olympic Stadium and the entire world.

2000 Sydney Olympic Torch (Credit: IOC)

2000 Sydney: Cathy Freeman Kathy Freeman the last Torch Relay runner

The Olympic Flame for the 2000 Sydney Games traveled via various Greek cities for a whole ten days. The Flame then covered a distance of 27,000 kilometers, reached the sacred district of the Uluru aborigines in Australia, while ships and even frogmen were used to carry it. The transit lasted a total of 127 days. The final runner, who lit the altar with the Flame, the aborigine Kathy Freeman, was also the winner of the gold medal in the Sydney Olympics 400.

1996 Atlanta Olympic Torch (Credit: IOC)

1996 Atlanta: Mohamed Ali the final Torch Relay runner

The Torch-lighting ceremony at Ancient Olympia for the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games was attended by Hillary Clinton, spouse of the then US President Bill Clinton. The Torch Relay lasted 170 days. The last runner was the boxing legend, Mohamed Ali.

1992 Barcelona Olympic Torch (Credit: IOC)

1992 Barcelona: Shooting at the altar with bow and arrow

The Olympic Flame was carried aboard the Spanish frigate Catalunya to the port of Empuries, an old Greek colony. It reached Barcelona after traveling for 51 days over a distance of 6,307 kilometers, with 10,448 runners taking part. The Flame was lit at the Olympic Stadium of Montjuic by Antonio Rebollo, a Paralympics archer, who shot his flaming arrow at the altar.