The Paralympic torch which began its journey to France at the weekend is identical to the Olympic torch for the first time ever - and here's why.

Traditionally, each torch has design variations, but designer Mathieu Lehanneur and Paris 2024 wanted to ‘push equality to the limit’.

The design has hidden elements that all come together in a symmetrical way, to emphasise this balance.

Not only that, but usually 10,000 to 12,000 torches are made for the Olympic Games, which was reduced to 2,000 this year for environmental purposes.

The torches are also made with a new and innovative technique using ecological recycled steel, known as XCarb.

ArcelorMittal, the steel and mining company that designed and manufactured the torches, has offered a look into the process behind the 2024 Olympic Torches, Rings and Agitos.

They created three videos [https://www.youtube.com/@arcelormittal] exploring the concept, manufacture and installation of each element.

Franck Wasilewski, project manager for the torches, said: “We can sense when a material has a history.

“So, the fact that we're taking recycled steel, which already has a history, which was perhaps a car, and then all of a sudden, it's been taken over, recast, reshaped and that it looks different again, that's an integral part of the essence of this torch.”

Over the course of four-day torch relay from 25 to 28 August 2024, some 1,000 Forerunners will have carried the Paralympic flame to 50 cities throughout France.

The relay started on 25th August in Stoke Mandeville, the birthplace of the Paralympics.

Unlike the Olympic flame, several Paralympic flames can shine alongside one another, reflecting the unique features of the Paralympic movement.

Mathieu Lehanneur, designer of the Paris 2024 Torch added: “Working on the torch for Paris 2024 was an opportunity to create something that is both a work of art and a symbol of progress.

“It’s been a privilege to bring this vision to life in collaboration with ArcelorMittal.”