Because of his lovely and graceful running style, he was picked to ignite the 1936 Olympic torch. He was also seen as a symbol of athletic youth. Schilgen's spectacular lighting of the flame was included in Olympia, a Nazi propaganda film. Two youths lighted the 1976 Summer Olympic cauldron, symbolizing the union of French and English Canada. Crown Prince Haakon of Norway lighted the 1994 Winter Olympic cauldron in honor of his father and grandfather, both of whom had competed in the Olympics. During the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Yoshinori Sakai lighted the Olympic cauldron. He was an athlete, however he never competed in an Olympic Games. He was born on the day when an atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. Sakai was chosen to ignite the Olympic torch as a symbol of Japan's postwar restoration and peace. The Olympic torch is usually kindled by a competitor in the Olympic Games. From the opening through the closing ceremonies, the Olympic cauldron remains ablaze. Ververidis Vasilis/Shutterstock.com/editorial The lighting of the Olympic torch is a ritual that has been part of the Olympics for almost 80 years. Because of his lovely and graceful running style, he was picked to ignite the 1936 Olympic torch. He was also seen as a symbol of athletic youth. Schilgen's spectacular lighting of the flame was included in Olympia, a Nazi propaganda film.