Reflections on running with the Olympic torch

I ran with the torch in Picton, Ontario, which is in lovely Prince Edward County. I arrived at the arena – the designated gathering spot for the torchbearers – and got briefed on what would happen. I marvel at the training that the torch hosts must receive. Everyone was gracious and generous and personable, and really knew how to forge a personal connection with each torchbearer. They were the professionals, and trained us up very quickly.

It was a fascinating lesson in positive psychology – sure there are a lot of little things to tend to, but this torch event is wonderfully organized. Our van host, Dave, commented that this is quite possibly the best job he ever could have. He’s met many torchbearers since starting on the East Coast, and every single one of them is cheerful and no one complains. Imagine working like that every day of your life. Meeting thousands of people – each of them passing through with a small but important task to do – and everyone smiles and enjoys it. Truly awe-inspiring.

While I waited at the side of the road, I was somewhat of a minor celebrity. Friendly strangers came up and talked with me, they had their pictures taken with me and my unlit torch, and they asked to hold the torch – which I let them do. It was a heartfelt community moment. I truly felt that I was part of something much bigger than myself.

The Olympic flame gets passed to my torch.

The flame got passed to me by a group – I believe there were about 20 people all sharing the 300 metre stretch before mine. They were a walking group, I believe (though send me an email if you know the actual name of the group) and they were in high spirits! They were a fabulous community and quite the sight to behold – all 20 people dressed in their white Olympic torch running suits and passing the torch from person to person every few metres, so that they would all have a chance to share. They encouraged each other and chanted their theme song – they were having a super great time!I received the flame from a young fellow who was practically dancing with the flame – he was having the time of his life! He passed the flame to my torch, and off I went!

For a few moments, I was carrying the Olympic flame.

Awe. Complete awe.

I was part of a relay that is spanning over 4000 km around and across Canada. It is the longest Olympic torch relay in the history of the Olympics. There are about 12,000 torch bearers and the torch is being transported by 40 different transportation methods. If this torch relay was stretched out into a straight line, it would go around the equator. It was truly something bigger than me.

Walking with the Olympic flame - brave enough to wave to the crowd

Of course, there is more than just the geography and numbers. Holding the flame, I really felt the Olympic spirit.

The flame has been passed on - my torch is warm and sooty.