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Information Sheet - Sydney 2000 Olympic Torch

Design Features

  • Shape inspired by the Sydney Opera House sails.
  • The three layers represent fire, water and Earth.
  • The subtle curve of a boomerang.
  • Weighed just over one kilogram (about the same as a litre of milk).
  • Was 72 centimetres long, making it easy to carry.

Inner shell (silver) - stainless steel

Middle shell (blue) - aluminium

Outer shell (white) - aluminium

Sydney 2000 Olympic Torch

Sydney 2000 Torch, Allsport

Torch shell designed by Blue Sky Design Sydney.

The engineering of its 'combustion system' (that is, deciding what fuel to use and how to keep the flame alight) was designed by the company Fuel Combustion Technology Pty Ltd, working with the University of Adelaide. Using their tests and results, the engineers and manufacturers from the company G A & L Harrington then came up with the final product.

Inside the Sydney 2000 Torch

Inside the Sydney 2000 Torch

* butane- used in cigarette lighters, propane or LPG - used in gas-fired barbecues