Today it was announced that I have been chosen by the Coca-Cola Company to represent ACC and CardioSmart in the Olympic Torch Relay leading up to the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.  It is truly an honor to be part of this historical event, which brings together people from around the world in the spirit of competition.

The relay, which takes place over 70 days, began May 19 and will include 8,000 torch bearers who will run through more than 1,000 cities, towns and villages in the UK, leading up the Olympic Opening Ceremony on July 27. I am one of 22 participants chosen by the Coca-Cola Company to carry the Olympic Flame, which I will be carrying through Bicester, England on July 9. Other participants chosen by Coca-Cola include leaders of national health organizations, former Olympians including Michelle Kwan and Summer Sanders, and young people representing charitable organizations. Participants were selected due to their commitment to live positively and make a difference in their communities.

The Olympic Flame, Torch and Relay are based on traditions that date back to the ancient Olympic Games in Greece. According to historical records, the first Olympic Games can be traced back to 776 BC. “A very precise ritual for the lighting of the Flame is followed at every Game. It is lit from the sun's rays at the Temple of Hera in Olympia, in a traditional ceremony among the ruins of the home of the Ancient Games. After a short relay around Greece, the Flame is handed over to the new Host City at another ceremony in the Panathenaiko stadium in Athens. The Flame is then delivered to the Host Country, where it is transferred from one Torchbearer to another, spreading the message of peace, unity and friendship. It ends its journey as the last Torchbearer lights the Cauldron at the Opening Ceremony in the Olympic Stadium, marking the official start of the Games. The Flame then stays lit until it is put out at the Closing Ceremony, signifying the end of the Games.”

Every four years Olympic athletes inspire us with their physical abilities and their dedication to health, sport, and country.  This year will be no different with approximately 10,500 athletes hailing from more than 200 countries who will compete in 26 sports for 302 medals.

It is truly an honor to be part of this tradition and to be representing ACC and CardioSmart, which encourages people to play an active role in their own heart health. Visit the special Olympic Torch Relay tabs on ACC and CardioSmart’s Facebook pages for more information and to stay up-to-date on the latest activities.

Also look for me on the live Olympic Torch Relay video on July 9 as I carry the Torch through Bicester, England!