As the 2016 Rio Summer Olympic Games kick off, what better way for Olympic collectors to get in the spirit than to bid on this gorgeous unused Rio torch. The following, referenced from a July 9, 2015 DisegnoDaily.com article, goes into detail on the design, aesthetics and relay.
“São Paulo-based Chelles & Hayashi designed the 2016 Olympic torch with an introduction of moving components: when the torch is ignited, five segments automatically expand vertically to reveal brightly colored resin sections, each symbolizing a different natural element. The torch is made from two materials: recycled aluminum and resin. It measures 63.5 cm when contracted and 69 cm when expanded, and weighs around 1.5 lbs. As well as representing the colors of the Brazilian flag, each of the resin segments symbolize natural elements native to Brazil. The segments start with a deep, dark blue which represents the ‘floor’, its wavy shape inspired by the curvature of Copacabana’s shoreline, and then graduates to a lighter blue representing the sea, then green for Brazil’s mountains and valleys and, finally, the yellow of the sun. The torch features a grip embellished with a triangular pattern to aid the torchbearers handle during the relay. The triangular design also represents the three professed values of the Olympics: friendship, respect and excellence. The flame will be carried by 12,000 torchbearers through 300 towns and cities in Brazil, a journey that lasts 100 days and culminates on August 5, 2016 at the Olympic opening ceremonies in Rio de Janeiro.”
Torch comes with its original brown presentation box as well as a lovely, custom-designed Acrylic stand for upright display. The stand is etched with a map of the Rio torch relay route and the Games logo at the bottom. Also included in this lot is the official t-shirt and shorts relay uniform (unworn, size M/M) of the 2016 Rio Games.