Representing You on the Road to the Olympics

Abstract

By the time you read this, the 2010 Winter Olympics will have taken place, beginning with the lighting of the Olympic Cauldron in Vancouver, British Columbia, on February 12. The torch's story began well before that day, however. Starting October 30, a relay of more than 12,000 people carried the Olympic torch about 27,000 miles through all parts of Canada. On Day 82, January 19, 2010, in the Calgary suburb of Strathmore, I had the privilege of participating in the torch relay on behalf of the American Dietetic Association and all our members. To call this experience a once-in-a-lifetime thrill is an understatement—not for me personally, but because I knew I was standing in for the world's largest and greatest Association of food and nutrition practitioners, who make such an incredible difference to our local and global communities alike. Helping people get and stay healthy was the theme of the day. Other relay participants included leaders of the American Academy of Family Physicians; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American College of Sports Medicine. We were invited by ADA Partner the Coca-Cola Company, the longest continuous sponsor of the Olympics, in recognition of our organizations' “dedication to promoting healthy lifestyles and for empowering civic engagement in communities.” All of us were overwhelmed with excitement and emotion. For me, the best part was the children who lined the route, and how excited they were to see us, high-fiving the runners like we were celebrities. The people of Strathmore were so gracious, calling your name as you ran, wanting to take pictures with you. It was great to share the moment with them. My husband Randy was so supportive; he was even more excited at times than I was, telling everyone he met that his wife was running. And I was very aware of the honor I had to represent you, the 70,000 members of the American Dietetic Association, and my country, as one of only 20 US citizens in the relay. It was thrilling and humbling. And yes, I did get teary-eyed! I feel fortunate to be serving as ADA's President at a time when our Association's work is being increasingly recognized nationally and internationally, resulting in our invitation to be a part of the Olympic relay. Before it began, I was asked for my “secret formula” for getting people to live positively. I said: “Eat right and get your nutrition advice from the nutrition expert—a registered dietitian.” And I encouraged people to “keep on moving and get involved in whatever your passion is.” Of course, that “secret formula” is no secret to any RD, any DTR, any member. A number of RDs are working with Olympic athletes to help them prepare for the 2010 Games—but no matter what your area of practice, you get involved and demonstrate your passion every day. It was because of you that I was asked to run in the Olympic Torch Relay, and it was my honor to represent you.