Olympic golden torch revealed

The Olympic flame will burn from a curved triangular aluminium tube which has a lace-like mesh complete with 8,000 holes – one to represent each torchbearer.

The triangular shape of the torch also symbolises the three times that London has staged the Games – 1908, 1948 and 2012. This is a special feat in Olympic history.

The torch, which will carry the Olympic flame to the London 2012 Games opening ceremony, has been created by design duo Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby.

London 2012 chairman Lord Coe said: “The torch that carries the Olympic flame during the Olympic torch relay is one of the most recognisable and significant symbols of an Olympic Games.

“Members of the public right across the UK are busy nominating inspiring people to be torchbearers and I am thrilled we have a beautifully-designed, engineered and crafted torch for them to carry.

“Integral to the design are the 8,000 circles, a lasting representation of the torchbearer stories of personal achievement or contribution to their local community that will be showcased with every step of the relay.”

London 2012’s Olympic torch relay will start on May 19 in Land’s End. An average of 110 people a day will carry the flame on its journey around the UK before it arrives at the Olympic Stadium on July 27.