Mathieu LEHANNEUR (1974) - Lot 1

Mathieu LEHANNEUR (1974) Official torch of the Summer Olympic Games having been used on the torch route of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Made of rolled steel, in two parts, the upper part is decorated with the Paris 2024 Games logo. Manufactured by ArcelorMittal. H. 70 cm In original box. Very slight wear scratches and small traces of the flame in the upper part. A mythical emblem of the world's greatest sporting event, this official Olympic torch of the Paris 2024 Games, imagined by designer Mathieu Lehanneur, embodies elegance and innovation. Forged from recycled steel, it is part of a sustainable approach and a reminder of the timeless values of Olympism: excellence, respect and friendship. The torch has travelled across France in the hands of exceptional torchbearers, perpetuating a tradition that began in 1936. Olympic torchbearers throughout history include legends such as Muhammad Ali (Atlanta 1996), David Beckham (London 2012), Pelé (Rio 2016), as well as French icons like Marie-José Pérec, Zinedine Zidane, Jean Dujardin and Tony Parker for this 2024 edition. A rare and highly sought-after item by collectors the world over, the Olympic torch is distinguished by its limited print run: only a few thousand are produced - an edition of 1,500 for the 2024 Olympics, i.e. 5 times fewer than in other years - with most remaining in the official archives. This is the first year that the flame does not remain with its bearer, making it even more mythical! Each Olympic flame is therefore unique, and may have been carried by an emblematic personality. Whether you're a sports enthusiast, collector or simply want to own a fragment of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, this torch is a trophy that will forever bear witness to a historic moment engraved in the collective memory as one of the finest summers Paris has ever seen.