The Olympic Torch"The design of an Olympic torch is very important. It cradles theOlympic flame and its message of hope, the celebration of excellence,friendship and respect wherever it travels in the world. The Vancouver2010 torch design is like Canada - young, exciting, innovative andwelcoming to everyone who sees and holds it."Jacques Rogge, IOC PresidentThe white and grey Vancouver 2010 Olympic torch was inspired by the cool, crisp lines left in thesnow and ice by skiers and skaters. Made from stainless steel, aluminium and sheet mouldingcompound, the 94cm torch was a joint project between VANOC and Bombardier - an OfficialSupporter of Vancouver 2010.The Games motto, With Glowing Hearts, is engraved on the torch, along with a maple leaf cut-outwhich, as well as being symbolic, also serves as an air intake to keep the Olympic flame alight.The Sport PictogramsDepicting the 19 Olympic winter sports, the Vancouver 2010 pictograms combine the traditionalsilhouette style of Olympic pictograms with the added dynamism of showing an athlete in motion.In an Olympic first, Vancouver 2010 also created a set of sport illustrations to accompany thepictograms. The highly stylised designed were inspired by modern sport photography, pop culture,fashion illustration and Manga-style comics.Chapter Seven / THE OLYMPIC BRAND135

136Chapter Seven / THE OLYMPIC BRANDThe Medals"An Olympic medal is a cherished possession for every athlete - it's what we all strive for when we train and compete. To feel it being placed around your neck on the podium or seeing children's eyes light up when you show it to them are experiences that defywords. Seeing these beautiful medals today makes me wish I was competing again in 2010."Jill Bakken, US Bobsleigh gold medallist at the Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Winter GamesThe stunning Vancouver 2010 medals were inspired by the ocean waves, drifting snow andmountainous landscape found in the host region and throughout Canada, while the dramatic,undulating design marked the first time an Olympic medal has not been flat.The design on each medal was based on a large piece of Aboriginal artwork by Canadian artist Corrine Hunt, which depicts an orca whale in a traditional West Coast First Nations style. Each medalfeatures a unique hand-cropped section of the artwork, making every medal one-of-a-kind.The medals were created with direct input from Olympic athletes, who shared their experiences about medals they had won at past Games and what they would like to see in future medals.Produced by Vancouver 2010 Official Supporter the Royal Canadian Mint, the medals are among theheaviest ever created for the Games, with the significant weight representing the magnitude of the athlete's accomplishment.