Home / 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Torch Relay / News Tools: Save | Print | E-mail | Most Read | Comment
High-tech ensures Olympic torch alight on Mt. Qomolangma
Adjust font size:

The torchbearers will take the flame to the world's highest peak on a day in May that presents the best climatic condition for the ascent.

It will be the safest month for climbing considering weather conditions.

The Olympic flame was introduced to the modern Olympics in 1928. Ahead of each Games, the torch is lit at Olympia in Greece, site of the ancient Olympic Games, and transported to the host city by a relay of runners, with the last using it to ignite a cauldron at the host stadium during the opening ceremony.

Accidents might happen. At the 1976 Montreal Games, the torch was drowned in a rainstorm. Organizers later relit it with a backup flame lit at Olympia.

Torch fuel has traditionally been a mix of butane and propane that gives off a bright yellow flame without releasing toxins or thick smoke, but the flame inside the lantern for the Qomolangma relay is burning a solid substance, one share of which can stay alight for eight hours, according to Gao.

(Xinhua News Agency May 1, 2008)

     1   2  


Tools: Save | Print | E-mail | Most Read

Comment
Pet Name
Anonymous
China Archives
Related >>
- Prepare for Olympic torch relay on Mt. Qomolangma
- HK reporter retreats from Mt. Qomolangma media center
- Reporters reach Mt. Qomolangma media center
- Reporters arrive at Mt. Qomolangma torch relay media center
- Beijing Olympic flame reaches Mt. Qomolangma base camp
- Road to Mount Qomolangma completes for Olympic torch relay
- Tibetans look forward to Olympic flame reaching top of Mount Qomolangma
- Fastest climber eyes another Qomolangma record
- Torch relay to Qomolangma
Most Viewed >>
- Liang makes history at worlds
- Seattle guard Durant named Rookie of the Year
- Taekwondo 18th Asian Taekwondo Championships
- UEFA Champions League games
- Liu Xiang gears up for Osaka Prix