1996 Summer Olympics torch relay towards the northern end of the stadium. The identity of the final torchbearer had been kept secret and was only revealed when Muhammad Ali appeared at the top of the ramp. Ali, who had won gold at the 1960 Games in Rome and later developed Parkinson's disease, lit a mechanical torch which then travelled along a wire, lighting the cauldron at the top of a tower. His appearance has been referred to as being one of the most inspiring, poignant, and emotional moments in Olympic history. 1996 Summer Olympics torch relay The 1996 Summer Olympics torch relay was run from
2012 Summer Paralympics opening ceremony into the Olympic Stadium from the ArcelorMittal Orbit carrying the Paralympic torch. Fireworks signifed his arrival as he handed it to Dave Clark, member of the 2012 blind 5 a side football team. Clark then ran to the cauldron where he passed it to Margaret Maughan, Britain's first Gold medallist in the Paralympic Games, who lit the petals which rose to form the cauldron. Beverley Knight, Lizzie Emeh and Caroline Parker appeared on the Moon stage to close the Ceremony with a performance of I am What I am. A pyrotechnic display took place as the entire cast flooded the