London unveils traditional torch for next year’s Olympics

By Chris Chase

The torch that will be used for next year's London Olympics was revealed Wednesday in the British capital.

Designed at a London-based studio, the torch features 8,000 holes representing each person who will run the relay during the flame's journey throughout the United Kingdom. The triangular shape is a nod to the three Olympics London will have hosted.

London's flame will be lit next May in Greece before embarking on a two-month relay before the opening ceremony on July 27, 2012. It will travel over 8,000 miles and be carried by more than 8,000 torchbearers.

The traditional design is an improvement over the more modern torches that have been used in recent Olympics. The lace-like pattern is reminiscent of the chain mail armor that could have been used by Beowulf or a member of King Arthur's court. And though the shape looks more like something that would be used by Michael Phelps at Bonnaroo, on the whole it's a winning design, which is a bigger deal than it sounds like seeing as how London completely whiffed on both the Olympic logo and mascots.

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