Academy President Carries Olympic Torch

Academy President Carries Olympic Torch

By Erin Sund

On July 11, 2012—day 54 of the Olympic Torch Relay—120 inspirational torchbearers, including Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics President Ethan A. Bergman, PhD, RD, CD, FADA, carried the flame as it traveled 105.35 miles through 13 communities on its journey from Reading to Salisbury, England.

About Ethan Bergman

All eyes were on Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics President Ethan A. Bergman, PhD, RD, CD, FADA (pictured with wife Carla) as he carried the Olympic torch, but going the distance was no problem for this triathlete.

Bergman is the associate dean in the College of Education and Professional Studies and professor of food science and nutrition at Central Washington University. He was named CWU Distinguished University Professor in 2001-2002 and was named by the Washington State Dietetic Association as Outstanding Registered Dietitian of the Year in 2000.

Passing the Flame

Academy President Ethan Bergman receives the Olympic flame from Charlotte of Salisbury, England before carrying the torch through Basingstoke on July 11, 2012.

Torchbearers

Like Academy President Ethan Bergman, the 8,000 torchbearers have inspired their communities and were nominated by their peers. Torchbearers range in age from 12 to 100, and hail from around the world.

Each torchbearer helps carry the Olympic torch through 1,019 communities across the U.K.—a journey modeled after the torch's travels through Greece during the ancient Olympic Games.

About the Torch

The 2012 Olympic torch was designed by Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby, both of London. The golden torch, made mostly of aluminum alloy, is perforated by 8,000 circles representing the 8,000 torchbearers who carry the flame on its journey across the United Kingdom. It stands approximately 2.5 feet tall and weighs about 1.75 pounds. The torch's unique semi-transparent design dissipates heat, making it easy to carry.

The "Threes"

According to the London 2012 Olympics organization, the torch's three-sided design represents a series of "threes" important to this summer's games:

• The three Olympic values of respect, excellence and friendship
• The three words that make the Olympic motto—faster, higher, stronger
• The fact that this is the third time the U.K. has hosted the Olympic Games
• The vision for the London 2012 Olympic Games to combine three bodies of work—sport, education and culture

For more information about the 2012 Olympic torch and its design inspiration, visit www.london2012.com/torch-relay/the-torch.

The Relay

The Olympic Flame represents peace, unity and friendship. The 2012 Olympic Torch was lit in Olympia, Greece by catching the sun's rays in a parabolic mirror. It was then transported in a special container on a plane to the U.K. on May 18, 2012.

The 2012 Olympic torch is on its 70-day journey across the U.K., building excitement for the 2012 games in London. The last torchbearer will light the cauldron in Olympic Stadium, opening the 30th Olympic Games on July 27.

The Route

During its 70-day journey, the 2012 Olympic torch will pass through 1,019 communities and travel a total of 7,624 miles. The flame will come within 10 miles of 95 percent of the U.K.'s population.

To find out where the flame is today, or to learn more about the route, visit www.london2012.com/torch-relay/route.