2010 Winter Olympics cauldron
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| Location | Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada |
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| Type | Cauldron |
The 2010 Winter Olympics cauldron was erected for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. A version of the cauldron was used as part of the opening ceremony at BC Place, while a permanent, public cauldron was constructed in Jack Poole Plaza, in compliance with protocol stating that the lighting of the Olympic flame should be visible outdoors to the public.
Design and construction
[edit]The cauldron was designed by Canadian aerospace manufacturer Bombardier, alongside the torches used for the torch relay; it consists of four, crystal-like "arms" and a central burner.[1] During the opening ceremony at BC Place, the four arms were to emerge from the stadium floor, with each arm jointly lit by the final four torchbearers: Catriona Le May Doan, Steve Nash, Nancy Greene, and Wayne Gretzky. However, a technical glitch with the hydraulics system caused only three of the arms to rise—leaving out Le May Doan.[2]
The protocol specified by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) states that the lighting of the Olympic flame must be witnessed by those in attendance of the opening ceremony, and should be visible outside to the residents of the host city. The latter was not possible because this was the first Olympic ceremony to take place in an indoor stadium.[3][4] Prior to the ceremony, the manufacturing firm Axton, Inc. was contracted by VANOC to construct a permanent replica of the cauldron in Jack Poole Plaza on the mezzanine of the Vancouver Convention Centre; it was constructed from steel, polycarbonate, and glass, with each of its arms being 16 metres (54 feet) long, and the entire cauldron standing 9.4 metres (31 feet) tall. Its burners were manufactured by FCT Flames, which had provided the burners for past Olympic cauldrons.[5][6]
The public cauldron was manufactured under a 14-week deadline, and assembled under a scaffolding concealed by tarps during the lead-up to the opening ceremony.[5][6] Following the conclusion of the opening ceremony, Gretzky was transported by truck to Jack Poole Plaza to light the public cauldron.[7][5]
Controversially, public access to the cauldron was restricted during the Games, with the plaza being protected by fencing that also obstructed photos. The fences were later moved closer to the cauldron, and modified to include viewing windows.[5][8]
After the Games
[edit]Following the 2010 Winter Paralympics, a reflecting pool and fountains were constructed at the base of the cauldron to enhance its appearance, and additional security systems were installed in an effort to deter vandalism.[5][6] The glass exterior of one of the arms was vandalized in 2022, requiring $50,000 in repairs.[9]
The cauldron's flames are re-lit for special occasions, including Canada Day, Remembrance Day, and subsequent Olympic Games.[5][6]
See also
[edit]- 2008 Summer Olympics cauldron
- 2012 Summer Olympics and Paralympics cauldron
- 2014 Winter Olympics cauldron
- 2016 Summer Olympics cauldron
References
[edit]- ^ "Bombardier unveiled as official Olympic torch and flame cauldron maker". Ottawa Citizen. 2008-06-16. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
- ^ "Anxious moments during cauldron malfunction". The Sydney Morning Herald. 2010-02-14. Retrieved 2021-05-26.
- ^ "2010 Opening Ceremony: Colour, culture, Gretzky and the accidental tripod". Vancouver Sun. CanWest Publishing. Feb 13, 2010. Archived from the original on 15 February 2010. Retrieved 2010-02-13.
- ^ "Vancouver Olympics Open With Indoor Ceremonies". NPR. February 12, 2010. Archived from the original on August 11, 2010. Retrieved July 1, 2010.
- ^ a b c d e f "Behind the secret project to build Vancouver Olympic Cauldron". Daily Hive. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
- ^ a b c d Nassar, Hana Mae (2020-02-15). "Built in secret, Olympic cauldron now sits as one of Vancouver's most iconic landmarks". CityNews Vancouver. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
- ^ Crawford, Tiffany (February 13, 2010). "People chase Gretzky through the streets of Vancouver". Vancouver Sun. CanWest Publishing. Archived from the original on February 16, 2010.
- ^ "Keeping the cauldron at bay". CBC News. 2010-02-19. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
- ^ "$50,000 cost to repair smashed glass of Vancouver Olympic Cauldron". Daily Hive. Retrieved 2024-07-31.
External links
[edit]Media related to 2010 Winter Olympics cauldron at Wikimedia Commons
