Atlanta 1996 - Games of the XXVI Olympiad

The torch was inspired by the simplest ancient torches - a cluster of reeds bound by twine - and also reflected the lines of classical Greek architecture. It featured 22 aluminium "reeds" (one for each Olympic Games). On the first gold plated brass ring is the inscription "Atlanta 1996" with the Games emblem. On the second ring are the names of the host cities of the Olympic Games of the modern era. The torch was the tallest ever for a summer Olympic Games and the only one designed to be grasped in the middle.