Beijing 2022

Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022

Beijing 2022The Torch

TORCH TECHNICAL DETAILS

Description

The torch design, brimming with dynamism and vitality, combines traditional Chinese culture and aesthetics with technology. The upward spiral shape resembles two overlapping, fluttering ribbons. The inner red ribbon evokes rising flames, while the outer silver ribbon is reminiscent of ice. The two ribbons seem to stretch endlessly, representing humankind’s relentless pursuit of light, peace and excellence. The colour combination and some of the artistic elements, such as the cloud patterns on the handle, are inspired by those of the Beijing 2008 torch. Snowflake patterns can also be seen on the handle, while the upper section of the torch features the Beijing 2022 Winter Games emblem.

Colour

Red and silver

Length

82cm

Composition

Carbon-fibre materials

Fuel

Hydrogen; propane if necessary

Designer/ Manufacturer

Alibaba creative team, including Jianye Li (torch’s appearance) /Sinopec (development of carbon-fibre materials), China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (development of fuel system)

Did you know?

  • The name of the torch is “Flying” (飞扬 Fei Yang).
  • The design allows two torches to lock into each other at the top, for example when torchbearers exchange the flame during the Torch Relay, symbolising mutual understanding and respect between different cultures.
  • The torch design was selected from among 182 entries as part of a global competition.
  • The shape of the torch recalls that of the Beijing 2008 main cauldron, which resembles a giant scroll, highlighting the Olympic spirit’s legacy in the Chinese capital.
  • The safety lantern is inspired by an ancient Chinese lamp, the Han dynasty-era Chang Xin palace lantern, created around 2,000 years ago.
The official torch of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games.

ROUTE DESIGN AND DETAILS

On 18 October 2021, due to coronavirus pandemic restrictions, only a small number of torchbearers carried the flame in Ancient Olympia following its lighting. The flame was then taken directly to Athens where, the following day, it was handed over to representatives from
the Beijing 2022 Organising Committee at the Panathenaic Stadium.

On 20 October, the flame was welcomed to China at a ceremony held at the Beijing Olympic Tower, where it then went on show to the public. Thereafter, the programme also included a presentation of the flame or the torch at various locations in Beijing and in certain provinces in the north of the country. Lastly, a more traditional relay involving around 1,200 torchbearers was held during the three days before the Opening Ceremony in the regions of Beijing, Yanqing and Zhangjiakou, all three of which hosted the competition venues for the Beijing 2022 Winter Games.

On 2 February 2022, the relay passed through two parts of Beijing, Olympic Forest Park, a green zone in the north of the city, and then Shougang Park, the site of a former steelworks renovated to become a culture, sport and tourism hub, which hosted the big air events during the Games. In Olympic Forest Park, the first torchbearer was Zhihuan Luo, a 80-year-old former world champion in speed skating. At Shougang Park, an exchange of the flame underwater was performed by two robots, each with a torch. On 3 February, the flame visited various locations in and around Yanqing and Zhangjiakou, such as the Great Wall at Badaling and Dajingmen. On 4 February, the relay was back in Beijing at three locations, the Summer Palace, Olympic Forest Park and Grand Canal Forest Park. That evening, at the Opening Ceremony, the flame was brought into the Stadium by Olympian speed skater Weichang Zhao. A series of Olympic medallists then successively carried the flame: speed skaters Yan Li and Yang Yang, sprinter Bingtian Su and finally short track speed skater Yang Zhou. The flame was then passed to the last two torchbearers, Dinigeer Yilamujiang and Jiawen Zhao, who were lifted up on a platform to a position beside the centre of the snowflake-shaped cauldron where they light it with the torch.

THE RELAY: FACTS AND FIGURES

Start date

18 October 2021, Olympia (Greece)

End date

4 February 2022, National Stadium, Beijing (People’s Republic of China)

First torchbearer

Ioannis Antoniou, Olympic participant in alpine skiing (2018, 2022). He was also the first torchbearer in Greece for the relay of the 2014
Winter Games in Sochi.

Last torchbearers

Dinigeer Yilamujiang, Olympic participant in cross country skiing (2022) and Jiawen Zhao, Olympic participant in ski jumping and Nordic
combined (2022).

Number of torchbearers

~1,200 from 2 to 4 February 2022 in the regions of Beijing, Yanqing and Zhangjiakou.

Recruitment of torchbearers

The torchbearers came from a range of backgrounds and different work sectors. Most were chosen for their exceptional contributions,
selected by various entities linked to the Games, such as the Organising Committee or the provinces and cities with competition
venues.

Distance

~ 70km covered by torchbearers from 2 to 4 February 2022

Countries visited

Greece, People’s Republic of China

image (43)

DID YOU KNOW?

  • The snowflake-shaped cauldron was made up of smaller snowflakes. Ninety-one of these snowflakes featured the name of one of the participating National Olympic Committees. The small snowflakes were inspired by the traditional Chinese knot, made with a single thread, symbolising prosperity and solidarity. The edge of the cauldron featured a series of stylised olive leaves, intended to symbolise all people living in harmony and peace.
  • In each of the three competition zones, cauldrons shaped like snowflakes surrounded by a strip evoking an ice ribbon were set up. Shortly after the Opening Ceremony, Games volunteer Junying Zhang lit one of the cauldrons outside the Olympic Stadium in Beijing. In Yanqing District, the cauldron was lit by Hanyi Wang, a young skater, while in Zhangjiakou, this task fell to sport student Wenzhuo Wang.
Beijing
2022

Discover the Games

The Brand

A visual identity is developed for each edition of the Olympic Games.

Brand

Brand

The Medals

Beginning as an olive wreath, medal designs have evolved over the years.

Medals

Medals

The Mascot

An original image, it must give concrete form to the Olympic spirit.

Mascot

Mascot

The Torch

An iconic part of any Olympic Games, each host offers their unique version.

Torch

Torch