San Francisco 2002
January 17-20, 2002

ERIN RUNS WITH THE TORCH

Torch Master

After Erin handed off the flame, the torch master guy on the motorcycle put out the flame and took out the innards so we can't use it to light the barbecue this summer. I suspect we could get Joey to rig up something if we really wanted to.

The torch officials suggest that you wouldn't want to do that because you have this sacred Olympic ash on the top part. In case you didn't know, you can buy the torch for $335 and everyone chipped in to help Erin buy hers. It's a pretty cool thing.

Updated to add: Now it's in pieces in the closet at Mom and Dad's. But it still looks cool.


The family

The official report on the torch says:

"The 2002 Olympic Torch is about 3 pounds, 33 inches long; 3 inches wide at the top and 0.5 inches wide at the bottom. It is made of silver, copper and glass and is designed to look like a mountain icicle.

"The Olympic Flame emerges from within the torch through a frosted glass top meant to symbolize the fire that burns within each torchbearer. The SLOC logo and the words 'Light the Fire Within' are emblazoned on the front of the torch.

"The key elements that comprise the torch are glass, aged silver finish, high-polish silver and copper. The glass represents light, winter and ice; the aged silver finish represents the West and dripping water; high-polish silver symbolizes the heart and speed of athletes; and copper represents fire, passion and Utah's history.


The Watchers

"A neat feature of the torch: The copper and glass will undergo physical changes as they interact with the flame, giving each torch a unique appearance, so that no two torches will be the same, just as no two stories of inspiration from the Games will be identical. Also, the center section of the torch has an aged, slightly time-worn finish and the bottom of the torch has a clean, high-polish finish. Torchbearers will hold the torch at the junction of these two surfaces, representing the bridging of past and present."


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PHOTOGRAPHS: Bob Hughes. Background courtesy of http://www.eosdev.com/eosdev_Backgrounds.htm

Posted: 1.27.02

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