Solomon Carries Olympic
Torch
John's daughter Molly was selected to be a member of the Olympic Torch Relay
across the US, carrying the torch in St. George, Utah. Mary Jane and John flew
there to cheer her on for this wonderful moment. Meanwhile, Molly had requested
that John accompany her on her relay leg as an escort. She would wear the
Olympic torch bearer white suit and John was given a blue one.
In St. George, one of the organizers told John they were short a torch bearer
and asked John to fill in. Quickly changing his blue garb to torch bearer white
John, in a relay with 20 others, carried his torch through the streets of St.
George. He was allowed to keep his torch, which now sits in a stand by his
fireplace. John describes it as a thrill and humbling experience that he will
never forget, just looking up at that flame during his leg and realizing that
for "one brief shining moment" he had the responsibility for the Olympic Flame.
His son, Christopher, however, put it all in perspective when, upon hearing this
story dubbed John "The Accidental Olympian."
|