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Who are some of the most memorable people who have been touched by the Olympic Torch and how have they been impacted by carrying it?

Aleena Treweela

Hey there!

That's an interesting question you've got there. Well, talking about the Olympic Torch and its impact, there are certainly a lot of people that come to mind who have been touched by it. I could talk about several individuals, but here are a few that stood out to me:

1) Muhammad Ali - The iconic boxer had the honor of carrying the torch during the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. Carrying the torch was a proud moment for Ali, especially as it came a few years after he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The torch was a representation of strength and courage to the fighter. Ali's emotional moment holding the torch is still one of the most memorable Olympic Torch moments to date.

2) Eunice Kennedy Shriver - The founder of the Special Olympics carried the torch ahead of the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. Shriver's passion for sports led to the creation of the Special Olympics, an event that paved the way for inclusion and created a space for athletes with intellectual disabilities to compete at the highest level. For Shriver, carrying the torch was more than just a celebratory moment. It was a chance to shed light on the abilities of people with disabilities and showcase their talent.

3) Cathy Freeman - Freeman carried the torch in 2000 ahead of the Sydney Olympics, held in her home country of Australia. Freeman was the first Aboriginal athlete to win a gold medal at the Olympic Games, and carrying the torch was a moment of national pride for Australia. Freeman's carrying of the torch also held symbolic meaning, representing how the country was moving towards recognizing and celebrating its Indigenous people.

4) Malala Yousafzai - The youngest Nobel Peace Prize winner and women's rights activist carried the torch ahead of the 2012 London Olympics. The torch was a symbol of hope for Malala, who had suffered an assassination attempt by the Taliban for speaking out against their ban on female education. For Malala, carrying the torch was a portrayal of strength and a way to advocate for girls' education on a global platform.

Overall, the Olympic Torch symbolizes more than just the start of the Games. It is a representation of strength, resilience, and hope. These people and many others have been touched by the Torch, and it has impacted them in ways that have inspired them and others around them.

Hope this helps and let me know if you have any other questions!

Take care.