Answering Common Questions About the Olympics: Do Swimmers Pee in the Pool and More
Is there any fire in the Olympic flame?
First, the Olympic torch is carried around the world and, during the Opening Ceremony, a chosen VIP lights the Olympic flame, which will burn throughout the Games.
In Paris, the Mathieu Lehanneur-designed cauldron in the Jardin des Tuileries does not have real fire. Instead, it uses 40 LED spotlights and 200 misting nozzles to create an eco-friendly illusion.
Every night, a balloon-like structure lifts the cauldron 200 feet into the air.
“Thanks to this system,” explained Lehanneur to NPR, “it helps us create an amazing effect with strong light and foggy, moist surroundings around the flame.”
There was a real flame at the end of the torch (also designed by Lehanneur), and a small flame is displayed in the Tuileries Gardens.
“For the Olympic movement, only the symbol of a continuously burning flame until the end of the Games is important,” said a Paris Games spokesperson to the New York Times. “Due to the unique nature of our cauldron and the technology used, we will continue to have a lit lantern near the cauldron for the public to enjoy.”