Designed by Malcolm Grear, above the writing «Atlanta 1996», located on the bottom, there is the number 100 and the five Olympic rings. Together they resemble an ancient Greek column and honor the centenary of the Games. The Flame of the torch rises to the sky to reach the stars, which symbolize the athlete’s research of perfection. It is made of aluminum, wood and brass. During the travel that passed through the United States the Flame was carried with an Indian canoe and a steamboat on the waters of the Mississippi river and on a wagon of the Pacific Union (first transcontinental railroad). 12.467 torchbearers have traveled the 26.847 km in Greece and the US. Memorable was the Opening Ceremony where the Flame, after having traveled 24.000km through 42 nations., was delivered to the boxer Muhammad Ali, who lit the brazier of the Centenary Games at the presence of President Bill Clinton.

For the first time in Olympic history, all 197 recognized National Olympic Committees were represented at the Games. Next to the site of the main competition venues was an open area known as the Centennial Olympic Park. The park appeared to be part of the Games but was not actually a part of the Olympic security system. In the early hours of 27 July, a bomb exploded in the park, resulting in the death of two people and the injury of 110 more. Sailor Hubert Raudaschl became the first person ever to compete in nine Olympics. Before he began his streak in 1964, he was a reserve in 1960. Beach volleyball, mountain biking, lightweight rowing and women's football made their first appearance.