Does the summer olympic torch flame stay lit till the next summer olympics?

The Olympic Torch, a symbol of unity, peace and friendship, does not stay lit until the next Summer Olympics. In preparation for the 2012 Summer Olympics it arrived in the UK from Greece after being lit according to tradition from the sun’s rays at the Temple of Hera in Olympia.

The 2012 Summer Olympic Torch Relay began on May 19, 2012 at Land’s End in Cornwall. The torch’s 70 day journey will end after it is carried by 8,000 Torchbearers, passes through more than 1,000 villages, cities, and towns all over the UK, makes 6 island visits, and covers a total of 8,000 miles. The final destination will be the Olympic stadium in London.

The last Torchbearer will light the Cauldron of the Olympic stadium during the Opening Ceremony. The flame will stay lit until the Closing Ceremony at the end of the games on August 12, 2012.