The invitation for the design of the Olympic torch was dispatched in the beginning of 2002. Thirteen proposals by Greek sculptors and industrial designers were submitted, aiming to provide design and engineering answers to a rather demanding brief. Much background research was conducted and contacts with previous Organising Committees and torch manufacturers were made, in order to put together the final brief and come up with the functional and artistic criteria to be used for the selection of the torch design. Also, all candidates were invited to study the torches from almost all previous Olympic Games. The selection process ended on 15 January 2003 with the presentation of the winning entry, submitted by Andreas Varotsos - a Greek industrial designer. An olive leaf served as the inspiration for the first Olympic torch that would travel to all five continents; an inspiration highlighting the heritage of the Games and linking the torch design with the main element of the visual identity of the Athens Games, the emblem.
The torch was designed to resemble an olive leaf; its form is drawn from the leaf's lines and harmonious shape with the two-toned sides. Its ergonomic design, dominated by curves - yet very simple, establishes the torch as the continuation of the Olympic flame. It is made of metal and wood.