As a resident of
Sydney, I may be qualified to answer some of Faioli's questions.
There's not just one torch that needs to be refuelled - each
Olympic Torch Bearer gets their own torch, which they can purchase for $200...and probably sell on
eBay for $1000. The exception was the final 5 runners who passed the
torch around
Stadium Australia during the
Olympic Opening Ceremony - they passed the same torch to one another.
The torches themselves hold enough
propane to burn for at least an hour, contained in a replacable canister. During the
Torch Relay, one schoolgirl was burnt moderately when the torch seemed to explode in her hand. An old man had a
heart attack and
died during his run...perhaps from the exertion of the running. There was even a special torch that burns
under water, and was taken below the sea at the
Great Barrier Reef of the
Queensland coast.
The torch was carried by about 10,000 people, and was carried large distances by
planes, trains and automobiles, between towns. It was also carried by
Surf Rescue Boat,
Ferry,
Sydney Harbour Jetcat, and had a ride on the
Scenic Railway at
Katoomba. During flight, the actual flame itself was transported in a small
lantern. A few times, the torch went out, so they lit it again off the lantern.