White Rock Olympic Torch Run

I’m never thrilled when my alarm clock rings before 7am.
Seriously, if my alarm clock went off at 5am to alert me my house was on fire, I’m the kind of guy who would think ‘eh, the fire’s just in the kitchen, I’ve got another 15 minutes before I need to get out’, and I’d hit the snooze. This morning though, with the Olympic Flame Relay coming through White Rock, B.C. at 6am, the buzz of the alarm jolted me from my slumber at 5:15am.

When we hit the streets it was still dark outside, and cool. Not Anchorage February cool, but I did have to zip my fleece coat about halfway up.
The torch route was lined up with thousands of cheering folks, dressed in red and white with Canadian flags everywhere. It looked like a windy fall day with all those Maple Leafs waving in the air. People were absolutely stoked to be able to share in this part of the Olympics. It’s amazing how a small amount of fire can produce such a large amount of pride.

I remember how that felt.
I was privileged to carry the Olympic Flame for a short kilometer in 1996 prior to the Atlanta games. I recall the excitement of standing there on a street in Seattle, waiting for the flame to make its way to me. I remember the moment I saw the runner coming my way with his torch blazing, and how suddenly this fun little adventure had become an important national obligation. I had to make sure this little piece of fire got to its destination. I remember a wave of fear coming over me as my torch was lit, and thinking ‘Dear God, please don’t let me drop this thing!’ I recall how the pride I felt in being chosen as a forerunner for the Olympics, was way too big for me to keep to myself. It was a highly charged, emotional moment shared by everyone who gathered to take part in the event. And so it was for the people of White Rock this morning. It was their moment to touch the Olympics, and they were there, waving, cheering and soaking in that pride.
It was a very powerful moment.

I just wish they had scheduled the event a little later in the day.
-Carp