The Olympic Torch in my backyard

By Guacira Naves re posted from MetroBlenz News

I witnessed a historic occasion today, which I’ll likely never see again: the Olympic torch itself, being escorted and carried practically in my backyard.

There was something emotional about seeing a flame that has not faded since its birth in Olympia, Greece, on October 22, 2009. The same flame that, 
tomorrow, will be watched by eager eyes across the world, as it reaches the cauldron.

I couldn’t help reminiscing about the 1980 Moscow Olympic Games, which I watched as a kid in Brazil. I recall crying when crowds on the stands formed an image of Misha (the 1980 Games mascot) shedding a tear during the closing ceremonies, as though it was wishing farewell. It represented the end of the Games.

Now, 30 years later, I got to see the Olympic flame, in person.

This experience also brought home a sense of the blood, sweat and tears invested by athletes for whom the Olympic Games are a lifetime goal. I have an Olympic hopeful in my extended circle, and have been privy to the sacrifices that he makes to even stand a chance to qualify for the competition. The strict diet, the gruelling exercise routine, the training, the toll that it takes in his social life. All for a mere chance.

I can only imagine how Olympians will feel during the opening ceremonies tomorrow. As for me, the flame has already accomplished something unexpected – it moved this slightly jaded heart.

Guacira Naves is the founder of The Online Strategy House. She’s an online marketing pioneer with 19 years of professional history with the Internet and 13 years of experience as an online marketing strategist. She serves on the board of the Social Media Club Vancouver. Follow her on Twitter (@OnlineStrategy) or find her at OnlineStrategy.ca