Sarajevo 1984
The torch for this edition was produced by Mizuno, a Japanese company specializing in sports apparel and accessories. The cylindrical shaft features the logo of the edition and the company, as well as a snowflake design. To cover the winding route across Yugoslavia, I was divided in two and carried by a total of 1,600 torchbearers. If you watch the video of the opening ceremony, you will notice the evocative and somber atmosphere, which was enhanced by the warm glow of the torch and cauldron. It is striking to reflect that just a few years later, the territory of Yugoslavia would be plunged into a devastating war that tore the region apart. These Games marked a significant milestone in television broadcasting, as the global spread of TV meant that television rights quadrupled in value. This elevated television to a crucial element of the Games, as evidenced by the meticulously planned choreography and evocative footage of the event.