Being an Olympic Torch Bearer was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. When I was chosen for the job, I did not fully understand what I was about to go through and would have never guessed the magnitude of how this experience would make me feel. I was told to arrive at the location where I would run much earlier than my running time, it turns out this was because I would be meeting the 20 other torch bearers who were running in my area. In the several hours leading up to the arrival of the torch from rural Manitoba, I had the chance to listen to the stories of each torchbearer and hear about what it meant to them to be carrying it.
While each of us had a different story to tell, we were bound by the same excitement, hint of nerves and an undeniable sense of patriotism. When I received the flame from the torchbearer before me, I was overwhelmed by happiness and adrenaline, taking off much faster than I had planned I could not help by shed a few tears as I sprinted with tremendous energy through the crowds of people who make up the city I call home. Not only did I feel supported by and connected to the thousands of people in Winnipeg who came out to see the event, but I felt united with the thousands of other torchbearers who had carried the flame before me and those who would have the honor of doing so further along in the relay. The short 300 meters seemed like an eternity due to the power of emotions that took over me, I felt a part of something bigger, the Olympics, the history, the athletes participating in the event and the great emotional connection I suddenly felt to my country.
I will always remember the feelings that were inside me, the heat of the flame, and share those same memories with the thousands of other torchbearers and the millions who saw the light travel across our country.
