Olympic Torch Malfunction Happened Due To Hydraulic Problems
By Arnab, Gaea News NetworkSaturday, February 13, 2010
VANCOUVER (GaeaTimes.com)- While the sports lovers were eagerly waiting for the opening ceremony of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics they hardly had any idea that the occasion would be marred by some mishaps. The tragic demise of a Georgian athlete was totally unexpected which took place during the trial run. It dampened the mood of the participants and Olympic officials to be sure. As if it was not enough to add to the gloom, the Olympic Torch malfunction added to the discomfort of the authorities. The caldron was supposed to be lit by 4 torches and 4 pillars were designed to emerge from the B.C. Place stadium ground.
However, the Olympic Torch malfunction ensured that it did not happen as planned. Three of the pillars worked in sync while the fourth did not. The incident created confusion and puzzle among the viewers as well as the torch bearers. Wayne Gretzky, Catriona Le May Doan and Nancy Greene were there to light up the caldron. Catriona Le May Doan looked perplexed and she stood at her place. However, she tried to appear normal later and saluted the audience.
The winter Olympic management body said later that it happened due to the hydraulic system malfunction. The Olympic Torch malfunction went unobserved by some. The remaining three pillars worked perfectly and finally the flame was seen. The ceremony was full of events and the slight disruption in one of the pillars of the caldron escaped the eyes of some viewers. The ceremony went on as planned after the event.
anon