Show Steadman Carries Torch in Olympic Relay Cowley Staff Writer If you were asked what you were doing last Friday at approximately pm p.m. chances are arc you may have havea a difficult time remembering However for Florence Steadman Coordinator of Sandy Center it was a moment shell she'll never forget Steadman had the opportunity to tobe tobe tobe be a member of the 1996 Olympic Torch Relay carrying the torch one kilometer on Highland Drive The torch left Ogden last Friday morning and made its it's way to Salt Lake by early afternoon It circled the valley for the greater part of the day and finally rested at atthe atthe atthe the Salt Lake County City-County Building at around 10 pm p.m. Steadman was one of about 80 other runners including some Special Olympic children high school track team members and celebrities John Stockton and Karl Malone i Being an experienced runner y Steadman's six six minute route was an easy task to complete She has run 13 marathons including the 1984 Boston Marathon and runs five miles almost every day She states states I have a great passion for running That's my neatest time of the day to get up the in-the morning put on my shoes and run out the door In previous years Olympic torchbearers torchbearers torchbearers torch- torch bearers have had to pay to participate in the relay In the 1984 Summer Olympics held in Los Angeles participants participants participants par par- had to pay around leaving only the elite eligible This year Coca Cola is the proud sponsor of the relay choosing the heros of the Community to Steadman was nominated by her husband for her outstanding work in the community which includes working in the Jordan School District for 14 years and at for the past seven Utah had over 2000 nominees to add to the nationwide pool of runners The torch used in this years year's relay is unlike any other it is the heaviest torch ever used in the Summer Olympics weighing 3 2 1 pounds The torch is plated with two brass bands and has 22 aluminum reeds representing the 22 Olympic Games It also has Georgia pecan wood for forthe forthe forthe the handle and bears the name of all previous host countries It is available available available avail avail- able for purchase only by the torchbearer torchbearer torchbearer torch- torch bearer for about Steadman described the torch as beautiful and symbolic On carrying the torch Steadman states U It has been a very patriotic emotional experience I am amin amin amin in such wonderful company its it's been great Carrying the torch is just one of the exciting events surrounding the entire torch relay Other activities included a luncheon and picture session session session ses ses- ses- ses sion with Governor Leavitt a meeting meeting meeting meet meet- ing at the capitol and a red white and blue day However along with the fun side of the relay there is also a serious one There were certain rules and stipulations that Steadman had to agree with in order to participate Rules included wearing only Coca Cola clothing and signing consent forms releasing rights to any pictures pictures pictures pic pic- tures taken of herself while carrying the torch Steadman will be traveling to Atlanta this summer to see the Women's Softball Event Being a torchbearer has given Steadman a clear perspective on the 2002 Olympics hosted in Salt Lake City She states Life is an experience We might as well be happy that the Olympics are coming and Im I'm excited excited excited ed that we will have the Winter Games Seeing the Olympic torch pass through your hometown is a fascinating fascinating fascinating ing experience The runner carrying the grecian flame is surrounded by a caravan of police cars fans and escort runners But this year seeing and supporting our heros of the community such as Florence Steadman can bring the Summer Olympics a little closer to home |