CULTURE
Envisioned by French designer Mathieu Lehanneur, the 2024 edition of the celebrated symbol of global peace and unity is a sleek, champagne-hued metaphor for equality — and a tribute to the Seine.
By Irene Joseph Chiramel
18 Aug 2024
The Paris 2024 Olympic torch designed by French designer Mathieu Lehanneur | Image Courtesy of Paris 2024 Olympics
One of the most recognizable symbols of the Olympic Games is its torch, which is passed from hand to hand, traversing countries and cities. According to Greek mythology, the flame is believed to have originated in a temple dedicated to Hera, the mighty queen of the gods. To this day, the torch is lit in front of the ruins of the Temple of Hera in the town of Olympia in Greece with the sun's rays caught on a parabolic mirror.
From its ancient origins to its delicate, cherry blossom-inspired Tokyo 2020 version, the Olympic torch has been universally perceived as a symbol of peace, friendship, and unity. This year’s torch, for instance, was carried with extra swag by American rapper Snoop Dogg, Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal and 11,000 others including athletes and celebrities who have contributed to the nation of France. But it also garnered global attention for its sleek design and symbolism as envisioned by French designer Mathieu Lehanneur.
American rapper Snoop Dogg participates in the Paris 2024 Olympics torch relay | Image by Maxime Le Pihif; Courtesy of Paris 2024 Olympics & SIPA PRESS
Produced in collaboration with the Luxembourg-based steel manufacturer ArcelorMittal, the torch was designed to reflect the core themes of the Paris 2024 Olympics: equality, water, and peacefulness. Lehanneur, picked through an official tendering process, was appointed for his poetic and symbolic design approach as well as his keen understanding of the values and aspirations of the Paris Olympics, a statement from the committee said.
Mathieu Lehanneur unveils the Paris 2024 Olympics torch | Image by Felip Ribon; Courtesy of Paris 2024 Olympics
Lehanneur is known for his multidisciplinary practice, ranging from objects and architecture to artworks, products, unique hand-crafted pieces and cutting-edge technological works. His designs are inspired by nature, science, history, and technology. 70 centimeters tall and weighing 1.5 kilograms, the design of the 2024 torch is the result of a brief that granted the designer creative freedom and expression.
The Paris 2024 Olympics marked the first time that an equal number of male and female participants competed, a milestone that extends to the Paralympic Games as well. Lehanneur conveyed this message of equality by designing the torch in perfect symmetry, both horizontally and vertically. A striking golden ring seamlessly divides the polished upper section from its intricately sculpted lower section. "It plays on perfect symmetry, speaking to us more clearly about equality,” said Lehanneur. “I wanted it to be extremely pure, iconic, almost elemental. As simple as a hyphen and as fluid as a flame."
Mathieu Lehanneur at his design studio | Image by Felip Ribon; Courtesy of Paris 2024 Olympics
The torch was made in 100 percent recycled steel from ArcelorMittal, the official partner of the Games, in an elegant champagne hue, referencing its journey through the French region of Champagne at the start of July as part of the Olympic torch relay processions. It was also designed to be both water- and wind-proof, capable of withstanding a continuous wind of 20 kph and gusts up to 60 kph.
In total, 2,000 torches were produced by ArcelorMittal, five times less than what was used at the previous Games in a bid to reduce carbon emissions. The company was selected for their available sites in France that have the expertise to carefully produce steel with a reduced carbon footprint while also meeting the design requirements.
A striking golden ring seamlessly divides the polished upper section from its intricately sculpted lower section | Image Courtesy of Paris 2024 Olympics
Rooted in the thousand-year-old tradition of the Olympic Truce, the design of the torch embodies peace, generosity, and solidarity with its pure, elemental design marked by gentle curves and rounded lines. Ripples and reflections were integrated into its smooth metallic body, representing the concept of water and paying tribute to the Seine river, which served as the backdrop and backbone of the Games this year. “I wanted to design an iconic object that people would remember,” Lehhaneur said. “An object like this doesn't belong to a designer, it belongs to everyone.”
The Seine river inspired the wave-like, three-dimensional ripple effects on the torch | Image Courtesy of Paris 2024 Olympics
