The torch for the Olympic Games of Sochi was created by a team of Russian designers under the direction of Vladimir Pirozhkov and Andrey Vodyanik. The material basis of this torch with a length of 95 cm and a weight of 1.5 kg is composed of aluminum and high-strength polymer.

A new combustion system run with ecological propane gas and special additives was developed to create a flame characterized by a vivid red and orange color and an especially high resistance to atmospheric conditions. Thanks to its low balance point, the torch was easy to hold for the torch bearers during the relay. The design of this torch was inspired by both Russian traditions and the modern present of the country. Its decorations are based on popular Russian stories: for instance, the torch shape that recalls the feather of the fire bird. In Russian folklore this creature has the ability to emit light. In contrast, the futuristic forms of the torch are a reference to modern present.

Also the choice of the colors – red and silver – has a deeper meaning worth mentioning: it symbolizes the harmony between fire and ice, respectively the warm sea and the snow-covered mountains of Sochi. With its costs around 51 billion Dollar the Olympic Games of Sochi are considered the most expensive Olympics in history. Russian President Vladimir Putin officially declared the Games open. One of the most remarkable new Olympic events in Sochi was women’s ski jumping. Byelorussian biathlete Darya Domracheva was the only athlete to win three individual gold medals. One of the most outstanding Olympic champions was speed skater Victor An, alias Ahn Hyun-soo. The South Korean athlete competing under Russian flag won three gold medals and one bronze and became the fastest short-distance speed skater ever. Italian luger Armin Zöggeler won an historic bronze medal: His sixth consecutive medal in six editions of the Winter Games. Further medals for the “Squadra Azzurra” were reached by Christof Innerhofer (silver in alpine ski downhill), Carolina Kostner (bronze in figure skating) and Arianna Fontana (one silver and two bronze medals in the speed skating short track events of 500m, 1,500m and relay).