1996 Olympic Torch Route

Map of the torch relay and cities throughout the United States.

Symbolism in the Olympic Torch Run

The Olympic torch relay is one of the most iconic and recognizable events not just in sports history, but in the entire world. Each couple of years when the games are held, the hosting country gets to show off their beautiful territory to the rest of the world. While the idea of carrying a torch throughout an entire country brings a great narrative in itself, the concept of the olympic flame and its journey drives a much more symbolic message. Every year the Olympic torch is lit in Olympia, Greece and carried to its destination without being distinguished. In Atlanta’s torch journey in 1996, ten thousand individuals carried the torch across the entire nation, crossing borders of forty-two out of the fifty states. The torch was lit and flown from Olympia to Los Angeles. From Los Angeles, the torch headed north toward Washington and then across the Midwest. From the Midwest, the torch was run up the Mississippi River and eastward toward the Great Lakes and New England. The torch then made its way south down the Carolinas and into Tennessee and Alabama. From Alabama, the torch made its way to a number of cities in Florida. After a seventy-five day trek, the torch finally finds its way into the state of Georgia through Savannah. From Savannah, the torch was carried across all areas of the state. There were 40 individual stops in the state of Georgia for the torch before it arrived in Atlanta. This carrying of the torch through all walks of life in the United States is symbolic of the greater message of continuity and peace among all communities. The IOC was initially hesitant to put the games in Atlanta due to the known issues regarding diversity and acceptance in the southern United States. As the torch was being passed from hand to hand among strangers from different backgrounds, races, and genders, a “symbol of peace, friendship, tolerance, and hope” was displayed that was greater than any sport (IOC).

Works Cited

Hargrett, Felix. Olympic Torch Relay Information 1996. Coca-Cola, 1996, pp. 1–5, Olympic Torch Relay Information 1996, hmfa.libs.uga.edu/hmfa/view?docId=ead/ms3735-ead.xml;query=olympic%20torch%20relay;brand=default.

Ioc. “The Olympic Torch Relay: ‘a Symbol of Peace, Friendship, Tolerance and Hope.’” International Olympic Committee, IOC, 20 Oct. 2017, www.olympic.org/news/the-olympic-torch-relay-a-symbol-of-peace-friendship-tolerance-and-hope.