A Community Hero in the Run of a Lifetime!
With the Beijing Winter Olympics in full swing, the Games of the XXIV Olympiad are the topic of many discussions nationwide. At ICL, we have learned that one of our members, Judy Brandhorst, participated in the Olympic Torch Relay in 1996 for the Atlanta Olympics.
As a young wife and mother, Judy found that volunteering allowed her to meet new people and help others, particularly children. While living in Warren, PA, Judy coordinated production of public service videos to combat drug and alcohol abuse as well as serving as president of TASK (Take A Stand for Kids). Later, in Fort Wayne, IN, Judy served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children who had been removed from their homes due to neglect or abuse. Fast forward to 1993, and you will see Judy behind the wheel of a disaster relief vehicle distributing food and water to victims of Hurricane Andrew in Homestead, FL.
Recognizing the years of service and commitment to community service that Judy had provided, her husband, Dave, submitted her name to The United Way of Battle Creek as part of a Community Hero Program organized by the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games. The committee was looking for candidates “…who did outstanding volunteer work, serve as community leaders and perform acts of generosity and kindness.”
Judy was chosen as one of 10,000 torchbearers tapped to carry the Olympic flame cross country from Los Angeles to Atlanta. She trained on a treadmill and used four-pound weights to prepare for her “Olympic run”. The flame was destined for a 15,000-mile trek across the United States, traveling through forty-two states, 29 state capitals, and eleven pairs of “twin cities”. Carried by runners, cyclists, horses, trains, canoe, steamboat, plane and sailboat, the flame averaged 182 miles per day and was on the move 13.5 hours per day.
On June 9, 1996, at the crack of dawn, on a rainy day in Detroit, Brandhorst hoisted the 2-1/2 pound torch for her 1 km (.6 mile) portion of the run. Supported by her family and friends sporting bright blue tees printed with “Jog de Judy ‘96”, she became part of Olympic history by carrying the symbolic flame once used as a symbol of peace in ancient Greece.
Judy remembers the van ride with her fellow runners that day. She describes a feeling of intense patriotism as she stayed the course, cheered on by family and onlookers with umbrellas. “It was truly the experience of a lifetime and my torch will always be a reminder of that special honor.” In the pouring rain, the relay participants were rewarded with a memorable performance of our national anthem by Aretha Franklin and cheered as the flame was transferred to a waiting boat destined for Cleveland, the next stop on the route to Atlanta.
Judy has been a member of ICL since April 2015 and we are happy she shared her experience with us.
How many other untold stories do ICL members have to share?
2 comments
Hi Judy, so strange.. we lived in Warren, Pa and grew up in Fort Wayne, Indiana. We have to talk! Bet we know many of the same people!
I just read this now. Are you still a member? I would love to meet you.