Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who built the 2002 Olympic Torch?
Georgia Tech Professor Sam Shelton built the 2002 Olympic Torch. Shelton, a professor of mechanical engineering, also built the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Torch. The Salt Lake Olympic Committee was impressed with Shelton's work and asked him for a repeat performance.

2. How many torches were manufactured?
More than 12,000 torches were manufactured to accommodate those carrying the torch during the relay.

3. How long will the torches burn?
There is enough fuel for the flame to burn in each torch for about 20 minutes.

4. Will the flame go out?
The torch was tested in gusty winds, heavy rain and extreme temperatures. Tests show the flame is stable in conditions that could occur along the relay route.

5. How big is the flame?
The flame emerges about 20 inches vertically when there is no wind. The flame decreases in size as the wind speed increases. It is visible in bright sunlight.

6. What does the torch look like?
The Torch is designed to look like a fiery icicle. The body is tapered with an antique silver finish and dark-shaded grooves that run from top to bottom. The Salt Lake City Logo, Olympic rings and the text, "light the fire within," are etched into the front. The outer shell is made from aluminum and plating to produce a high-polished chrome finish. For the first time in the history of the Olympics, the Torch is topped with a glass crown from which the Olympic flame emerges from a copper cauldron. The flame is visible from within the crown. The torch weighs 3 pounds and is 33 inches long.

7. How is the flame fueled?
It is fueled by a mixture of butane and propylene that is stored in a four-ounce tank inside the torch.

8. How long did it take to engineer the 2002 torch?
Shelton began with artistic drawings created by a Los Angeles design firm. He set out to transform the design into a working Olympic symbol, able to withstand extreme climate conditions along the relay route. The process of building, testing and manufacturing the 2002 Olympic Torch took about nine months.

9. What else did Shelton design for the 2002 Olympics?
Shelton also designed the ceremonial cauldron and the Union Pacific Cauldron Car that is traveling in the relay procession.