The London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) today unveiled a prototype of the London 2012 Olympic Torch that will be carried by 8,000 inspirational Torchbearers on its journey across the UK next summer.

The Torch celebrates the best of British design, engineering and manufacturing talent and reflects the celebratory nature of the Olympic Torch Relay and the Olympic Games.

It has been designed by internationally-acclaimed designers Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby, in partnership with Basildon-based product engineers Tecosim and Coventry based manufacturers The Premier Group.

At 800mm high and weighing just 800g, the Torch is one of the most lightweight in the history of the Olympic Movement. Its gold-coloured form is perforated by 8,000 small cut-out circles, representing the 8,000 Torchbearers and their stories of personal achievement. The circles, which run the length of the Torch, will also offer a unique level of transparency – allowing people to see right into its heart – and help keep the Torch cool.

The triangular design has been inspired by the multiples of three identified across the vision and delivery of the Olympic Games. These include the three Olympic Values of respect, excellence and friendship; the fact the UK has hosted the Olympic Games three times; and the vision for the London 2012 Olympic Games to combine three strands of work – sport, education and culture.

Sebastian Coe, LOCOG Chair, said: ‘The Torch that carries the Olympic Flame during the Olympic Torch Relay is one of the most recognisable and significant symbols of an Olympic Games. Members of the public right across the UK are busy nominating inspiring people to be Torchbearers and I am thrilled we have a beautifully designed, engineered and crafted Torch for them to carry.

‘Integral to the design are the 8,000 circles, a lasting representation of the Torchbearer stories of personal achievement or contribution to their local community that will be showcased with every step of the Relay.’ 

Designers Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby explained: ‘As designers, this is quite simply the best project going: to design an icon for the Games. We have worked hard to develop a Torch that celebrates the Relay, and reflects the passion for London and the Olympic Games. We wanted to make the most of pioneering production technologies and to demonstrate the industrial excellence available in the UK – it’s a Torch for our time.’

The LOCOG ‘Moment to Shine’ Torch bearer nomnation form aims to find 2,012 inspirational members of the public to carry the Olympic Flame on its 8,000 mile journey across the UK next summer.