The torch of the London Games looked like a metal cylinder crowned by a chalice in which a mixture of magnesium burned with a spectacularly bright and sparkling flame. It was too heavy for the comfort of the torch bearers, and was lit on July 15, in Olympia. On its way to London the flame covered 3,160 kilometres and was carried, over land and sea routes, by a total of 1,688 torch bearers from eight countries. British athelete John Mark made the last relay before lighting the cauldron in Wembley stadium.
