Yes you read right! The Sochi 2014 Olympic torch will make a historic appearance in space as part of its relay from Greece to Russia for the Winter Olympics next year.
I’m sure like me, some of you are wondering how this is going to work. I’m no rocket scientist, but the little Einstein in my head tells me the Olympic torch will certainly not be burning way up there in space.
Russian cosmonauts Oleg Kotov (L) and Sergie Ryazansky
Photo: Reuters
The torch is due to arrive at the International Space Station (ISS) on the Soyuz TMA-11M manned spaceship in November. Russian cosmonauts Oleg Kotov and Sergie Ryazansky have been tasked with the Olympic assignment.
For safety reasons, the torch will not be lit during the spacewalk, according to Dmitry Chernyshenko, the President of the Sochi 2014 Organizing Committee. Yes, I’m breathing easier, Olympic fans! Whew!!!
The captain of the spacecraft, Mikhail Tyurin, who received the Sochi 2014 Olympic Torch at a ceremony in June, will be responsible for passing it over to cosmonaut Fyodor Yurchikhin, who is currently based on the ISS. He will then deliver the torch back to Earth.
The spacewalk by the two Russians will be a great moment in Olympic Torch Relay history. The Sonny Side of Sports is looking forward to more fantastic feats during the winter sports festival, which officially opens February 7th in Sochi.
***This blog post was written by VOA Intern Kwame Asante Ofori for the Sonny Side of Sports.
This is a refreshing new writing style. Much different from what we are used to here but in a good way.
Im currently planning on going to space with the torch btw
Go Kwame! Good post! 🙂
Wow! The torch is going on a space voyage beyond the earth. Incredible 🙂
The spacewalk with the torch by the two Russians will definitely add an interesting dimension to the Olympics.