The Paralympic torch which began its journey to France at the weekend is identical to the Olympic torch for the first time ever - and here's why.<br /><br />Traditionally, each torch has design variations, but designer Mathieu Lehanneur and Paris 2024 wanted to ‘push equality to the limit’.<br /><br />The design has hidden elements that all come together in a symmetrical way, to emphasise this balance.<br /><br />Not only that, but usually 10,000 to 12,000 torches are made for the Olympic Games, which was reduced to 2,000 this year for environmental purposes. <br /><br />The torches are also made with a new and innovative technique using ecological recycled steel, known as XCarb.<br /><br />ArcelorMittal, the steel and mining company that designed and manufactured the torches, has offered a look into the process behind the 2024 Olympic Torches, Rings and Agitos.<br /><br />They created three videos [https://www.youtube.com/@arcelormittal] exploring the concept, manufacture and installation of each element.<br /><br />Franck Wasilewski, project manager for the torches, said: “We can sense when a material has a history.<br /><br />“So, the fact that we're taking recycled steel, which already has a history, which was perhaps a car, and then all of a sudden, it's been taken over, recast, reshaped and that it looks different again, that's an integral part of the essence of this torch.”<br /><br />Over the course of four-day torch relay from 25 to 28 August 2024, some 1,000 Forerunners will have carried the Paralympic flame to 50 cities throughout France. <br /><br />The relay started on 25th August in Stoke Mandeville, the birthplace of the Paralympics.<br /><br />Unlike the Olympic flame, several Paralympic flames can shine alongside one another, reflecting the unique features of the Paralympic movement.<br /><br />Mathieu Lehanneur, designer of the Paris 2024 Torch added: “Working on the torch for Paris 2024 was an opportunity to create something that is both a work of art and a symbol of progress. <br /><br />“It’s been a privilege to bring this vision to life in collaboration with ArcelorMittal.”
