Russia to Send Olympic Torch into Space

Russia has made plans to become the first country to send the Olympic Torch into space, in what would be the longest-ever Olympic Torch Relay.

In Sochi’s presentation to the International Olympic Committee in South Africa, Russian Deputy Prime Minister, Alexander Zhukov, said Russia want to be the first country to take the Olympic Flame beyond the earth’s atmosphere.

He said:”Russia was the first country to send a man into space some 50 years ago. So, we are proud that now we have the opportunity to be the first nation to send the Olympic Torch into space.”

Zhukov said Russia also planned for the Olympic Flame to be taken to the bottom of the world’s deepest lake and to the top of Russia’s highest mountain.

The Olympic Torch will be taken on a 28,000-kilometre journey, over 20 days, with around 14,000 torch bearers used in the relay.

He added: “The Torch Relay is to demonstrate the character of modern Russia, its great historical and cultural achievements and the achievements of the common people.”

Sochi will host Russia’s first-ever Winter Olympics in 2014.