How new technology keeps the flame burning

By Karolos Grohmann

ATHENS (Reuters) - The tradition of the Olympic flame is rooted in Greek sporting heritage dating back thousands of years but new technology keeps the fire burning whatever the elements -- or modern-day protester -- can throw at it.

Well, almost.

This week a torch was briefly extinguished in Paris to keep it from protesters opposing China's policy in Tibet.

The Olympic flame, though, did not go out.

Two lamps, lit from the original flame of Olympia, accompany the relay and help light thousands of torches carried by bearers who include celebrities, politicians and athletes on its 85,000 mile journey.

The Beijing torch burns on environmentally-friendly propane gas and its flame can last up to 15 minutes. Every torchbearer has a separate torch which they can buy to keep as a souvenir at the end of their run.

"(The gas) is composed of carbon and hydrogen. No material, except carbon dioxide and water remain after the burning, eliminating any risk of pollution," the Beijing Games organizing committee explains on its website.

The burning system itself was designed by China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation.