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| Olympic torchbearer Elaine Campbell |
In just a few days, TRIUMF's Elaine Campbell will set a new treasure on her mantle at home. Elaine, an accounting clerk in the Office of the Director, will be taking part in history through her role as an Olympic torchbearer. Scheduled to relay 300 metres on the morning of February 9, in Delta, BC, Elaine has been preparing for this role for several months now by hitting the gym to both stay in shape and remain engaged in a healthy lifestyle.
Some of the torchbearers thus far have included local celebrities, former Olympians, and internationally recognized athletes. When asked about her expectations about the relay, Elaine humbly replied, "I have no idea why they picked me! There are so many other people who deserve this opportunity." Although she is reluctant to stage her torch at home for visitors to see, Elaine admits that her family is encouraging her to display the torch, her very own Olympic prize.
Her modest attitude towards this experience is no surprise considering her down-to-earth approach to athletics and life.
What enticed Elaine to become a torchbearer comes from the shared enjoyment her and her family receive from sports and community involvement. Having always enjoyed participating in sports, such as softball and volleyball, Elaine also encourages her children, ages 10, 14 and 17, to pursue sports. Her children have been involved in a multitude of sports over the years, and her sons, 10 and 14, still love to play soccer, football, lacrosse, and baseball.
Elaine is one of the last torchbearers to carry the Olympic flame across Canada for the winter games. The flame has traveled from coast to coast, beginning last October in Victoria B.C., with over 12,000 torchbearers visiting over 1,000 communities. Only a mere three days after Elaine's relay, the last torchbearer will ignite the Olympic Cauldron at BC Place indicating the official start of the games. After 45,000 kilometres, this will be the longest torch relay to be held within any host country in history!
Unfortunately, Elaine's torchbearing duties have not enabled her to sneak into any of the games. As a fan of figure skating, downhill skiing, "-- and of course hockey" Elaine adds, she will definitely keep an eye on the games and excitement in the upcoming month.
You can cheer on Elaine's run with the torch on February 9th around 8:50AM, along 112th Avenue, Delta, B.C.
Find out more about TRIUMF and the Olympics here.
-- Melissa M. Baluk, Communications Assistant