International torch relays banned from 2016 Games

Torch relays will avoid running the risk of attracting negative attention by taking place within the borders of host countries, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said on Thursday.

Following protests and unpleasant scenes that marred the 2008 Beijing Olympics worldwide torch relay, the IOC executive board decided to close a loophole in the host city contract and ban international legs, starting with the 2016 Summer Games.

Instead of representing a symbol of hope and inspiration, the Olympic torch became a magnet for protesters as it made its way to Beijing, sparking sometimes violent protests over China’s human rights record.

Organisers of the 2012 Summer Games in London and next year’s Winter Games in Vancouver had decided not to take the torch overseas and the IOC said it would tell 2014 Winter Games host Sochi to keep the flame in Russia.

“After the relay in Athens, which was the first international relay, we came to the conclusion it was easier for the torch to stay inside the country,” IOC executive director Gilbert Felli told reporters.

“There were difficulties with the NOCs (National Olympic Committees) and the countries and we also saw the risk with a torch relay going around the world,” the Swiss added. “Beijing had planned for an international torch relay and we accepted to do it. We saw in the debrief that the risk was there and the IOC decided not to do it (again).

“When the torch relay is inside the country there is more control.”