The Olympic torch was designed by Newhart, Turner Industries and build by Clan Weld, again Turner Industries. Made of brass and aluminum the handle is covered in leather. The Olympic quote «CITIUS–ALTIUS–FORTIUS» engraved in the torch stands out. The fuel used was propane, and the torch is made of aluminum, brass and leather. The flame, after being lit in the ancient place of the Olympics, was carried from Greece to the US with a special airplane made available by the White House. The Emblem is represented by a star, universal symbol of the research of human nature.

The horizontal lines stand for the speed with which the athletes try to approach their perfection. The colors blue, white and red were chosen according to their traditional significance in occasion of the delivery of the first, second and third place. In spite of the boycott, there was a record of attendances, with 140 nations registered. The good feelings prevailed to such an extent that during the Opening Ceremony some athletes broke ranks to join a spontaneous dance (such celebration is usually saved for the Closing Ceremony). Calisthenics, synchronized swimming and women’s cycling competitions made their first appearance.