Documents reveal Olympic cauldron is spindle-shaped

ATHENS, Greece -- The Olympic flame will burn in a huge spindle-shaped cauldron that will be visible from all parts of the main stadium, according to plans by the designer.

ADVERTISEMENT

Have a thought? Go to the Forums or Chat.

Subscribe  E-mail this story  Write a letter to the Editor  Printer-friendly version  Get news on your PDA  Get e-mail headlines

Documents obtained Thursday by The Associated Press said the Olympic cauldron, designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, will be located at the northwest side of the stadium, where it is covered or enclosed by the new roof.

Calatrava also designed the glass-and-steel roof being installed over the 75,000-seat stadium.

The cauldron plan is the first clear picture of how the flame will be displayed following an unprecedented around-the-world torch relay that begins June 4.

Details of opening ceremonies at all Olympics are closely guarded, and Athens organizers have refused to discuss the ceremony or the cauldron before the Aug. 13-29 games.

The cauldron is 100 feet long and 5 feet maximum in diameter, with a slot in its top section, the document said. The plans added that the main structure will be connected to the base by a hinge, suggesting it could move.

The cauldron is "closely related in form" to the central "Olympic monument," which also serves as a sundial.

Calatrava has been commissioned to upgrade the entire main sports complex.

Earlier this week, the chief Olympic organizer, Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, refused to give the AP any hints about the flame's placement in the stadium.

"I want to keep it as a secret because this is the magic of the games .... It is good to have a surprise," she said.

--From the Friday, May 14, 2004 online edition of the Augusta Chronicle