User Story

By Rod Proudfoot

It has been a cloudless, mild, sunny January day in Edmonton, with the bright blue sky that is so prevalent here during the winter. Today, I am standing at my designated start position in the late afternoon on Groat Road in Edmonton, waiting for the Olympic Torch entourage to reach me so I can light my Olympic torch and experience that magical 300 meter trip of a lifetime. Suddenly, I am overcome with a vast array of thoughts and emotions.

Was this how others felt as far back as ancient times in Olympia, Greece? I am reminded that the Olympic flame was to honour the god Zeus, and that the torch is always ignited by the light of the sun at the place of the ancient Olympics. Here the flame is in Edmonton and the organized chaos around me underscores the importance of this event. City police are doing an admirable job of traffic control. People from all walks of life are lining both sides of the road to get a glimpse of the Olympic flame and to be a small part of this historic moment. Cars driving on the other side of the street are passing slowly, some taking pictures on their camera phones as they idle by. Friends and strangers alike come up to me and ask for a picture with myself and the torch. I let them hold the torch. Without exception, they are thrilled and their smiles light up the late afternoon dusk. Would I ever have had this opportunity if not for my living in Edmonton?

Suddenly, the Torch Relay team member comes up on a bike and activates the gas canister within my torch. The preceding Olympic Torch runner is named Raz and he is only 50 yards away! Everything starts to become a blur, even though my subconscious is collecting it all.

Holding my torch up high, I am ready. Raz lights my Olympic torch and I feel an instant rush go throughout my entire body! We shake hands; I turn left and begin the magical journey. Horns are honking, people are cheering, and cameras are flashing everywhere. My senses are on full alert…the sounds, the sights, the feel of the pavement, the setting sun in a cloudless sky, even the sound of the Olympic flame in my torch as I’m jogging. With a huge smile, I look up at my lit torch…beautiful!

I get caught up in the moment, the cacophony of sound, waving to people and cars along the route. Halfway now, and I’m getting short of breath…must remember to slow down and breathe. My escort group is right beside me giving encouragement and support. One hundred yards from the finish, I speed up again to finish with a flourish. Suddenly, I am at the end, lighting up the next runner’s torch. We hug; off she goes on her magical journey.

Standing there catching my breath as the entourage moves on, still holding my flaming Olympic torch, I realize that this moment will stay with me for the rest of my life. And I cherish it.