Unused official 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics torch that was presented to Canadian Olympic administrator James Worrall. Constructed of anodized aluminum and rubber, the torch measures 28.5″ in length, 3″ at its widest point, and was designed by Lenovo China and Aerospace Science & Industry, and manufactured by Zhongshan Vatti Gas Appliance Stock Co., Ltd. The curved shape of the torch embodies that of both a parchment scroll and a cloud, the latter an ancient decorative element from Chinese art which is found on buildings, sculptures, and furniture. The upper portion of the torch is covered in etched patterns of 'propitious clouds' and bears the Beijing logo and Olympic rings; its red color symbolizes the spirit of celebration, enthusiasm, and good fortune. The lower handle portion is inscribed "Beijing 2008," and is layered with a fine rubber-based varnish, a finish specifically designed to improve grip and replicate the contact of human skin as if the torchbearer were holding a friend's hand. The torch is hermetically sealed in plastic and includes its original Olympic box and information sheet. The Olympic flame of the 2008 Olympics was lit on March 24th, and was carried across the globe by a total of 21,800 torchbearers. Over the course of 130 days, the flame traversed over 85,000 miles, passing through every continent sans Antarctica, and even made its way to the summit of Mount Everest in a specially designed safety lamp.
After competing in hurdles for Canada in the Berlin 1936 Summer Olympics, Worrall put forth a lifetime of effort in favor of the Canadian Olympic cause. From 1964 to 1968, Worrall was the president of the Canadian Olympic Committee, and from 1967 to 1989 he was a member of the International Olympic Committee. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the organizing committees for the Montreal 1976 Summer Olympics and the Calgary 1988 Winter Olympics and was inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame in 1987.
From the estate of James Worrall.
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