The torch of Cortina was created by the designer Ralph Lavers, who designed the torches of Melbourne and Squaw Valley too. It shows the classic elements to emphasize the link between the Olympic Games of Cortina and the ones of London. The handle is long and thin, while on the cauldron the five Olympic rings are imprinted together with the year 1956 and the name of Cortina. The combustion system was magnesium additive, the same as the torch of London. It weighs 820gr. and is made of silver. The games were inaugurated by President Giovanni Gronchi. Legendary were the three gold medals claimed by Toni Sailer. These Games marked the debut of the URSS team, which immediately won more medals than any other nation. Their speed skaters won three of the four events, while the ice hockey team ended Canada’s domination.