Torch carried by Rafer Johnson in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics

Source catalog description

This description refers to material held by Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Visual details below describe the original material.

A metal torch with a leather-covered handle used by decathlete Rafer Johnson to light the Olympic cauldron at the Opening Ceremony of the 1984 summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles, officially known as the Games of the XXIII Olympiad. The torch ring, bowl, bezel, hilt and handle guard are constructed of aluminum with an antique brass finish. The words of the Olympic motto are etched at the top of the torch ring: [CITIUS / ALTIUS / FORTIUS], with the Olympic rings etched between each word. Below the Olympic motto, the Los Angeles Coliseum peristyle with Olympic rings is etched on the bowl of the torch with the words [LOS ANGELES/ MEMORIAL/ COLISEUM]. The torch handle is covered by three (3) tan leather panels zig-zag stitched and backed with hypon foam.

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