The Centennial Olympic torch was commissioned
by the Greeks in addition to the Atlanta Olympic
torch, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of
the first Games of the Modern Olympiad. Made of
stainless steel, with a wooden handle, the torch
is inscribed with the names of each host city.
The opening ceremony featured a tribute to
the ancient Greek games and to civil rights
campaigner, Martin Luther King. After a 24,000
kilometre torch relay, the cauldron was lit by
former world heavyweight boxing champion
and Olympic gold medallist Muhammad Ali.