Olympic Relay Torch - Athens 2004

"We shall not have peace until the prejudices which now separate the different races shall have been outlived. To attain this end, what better means than to bring the youth of all countries periodically together for amicable trials of muscular strength and agility?" ~ Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the modern Olympic Games

This specimen is a pair of olive wood and aluminum fragments from an Olympic Relay Torch used in advance of the 2004 games in Athens. Germany introduced the modern concept of the Olympic Torch relay during the 1936 Games in Berlin. Since then, the relay has been a feature of every Summer Games.

The 2004 relay covered 78,000 km beginning in Olympia, Greece, and ending after an around-the-world trip. Gold medallist Nikolaos Kaklamanakis was the final runner, who brought the flame to light the Olympic Cauldron at the opening ceremonies on August 13, 2004.