Igniting the Torch of Inspiration

By: Shreya Krishnan - Torch bearer at 2020 Olympic torch relay

 “My friends and I want to live in a City for Champions!” I enthusiastically said these words in 2013, as an 9-year old to the Commissioners of the Colorado Office of Economic Development. I was advocating for the City for Champions project, which highlights unique and extraordinary venues such as the United States Olympic and Paralympic Museum. Fast forward seven years and it’s surreal to think that as a 15-year old, I was a torch bearer in the Olympic Torch Relay, representing the same museum I advocated for during the presentation as an 8-year old. Today, that dream is my reality - I am living in a City for Champions!

The opportunity to run in the Olympic Torch Relay was afforded to me through the Young Champion Ambassador program, a youth leadership program that uniquely imparts the Olympic and Paralympic values to the leaders of tomorrow. Last year, I was selected by my school, Discovery Canyon Campus, to be a Young Champion Ambassador. The program broadened my understanding of the Olympic and Paralympic movement and trained me to become an ambassador of the Museum and Olympic City USA.  

When you live in Olympic City USA, it’s only natural that the Olympic and Paralympic ideals inspire our way of life. The athletes inspire me to achieve my goals despite any hurdles, obstacles, and competition. The ideals and culture of my community push me to figure out how to become a leader and a better person. So, as an ambassador of the Olympic and Paralympic Museum and Olympic City USA, I felt humbled and empowered to be in Ancient Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the Olympics.  

When I travelled to Greece, I was connected to history, specifically Classical Greek history, the foundation of Western civilization, from which the U.S. has based many of its foundational principles, and it tied together the lessons of my academic curriculum. When I was standing at the Parthenon in Acropolis, admiring the architecture, I was in awe by the accomplishments of the Greeks, who built such massive, marble pillars without the help of modern day equipment. I am proud to be a part of a movement that has embraced gender equality. We have come a long way from women not being allowed to participate in the Olympic games to today, when a female Olympian launched the Tokyo Olympic Torch Relay for the first time in history.

I met representatives from many countries like France, Germany, Brazil, Japan, UK, and many more and it was wonderful to see the mutual respect for each other during the varied festivities and meetings. Even though we came from different, diverse backgrounds, we connected, like the interlocking Olympic Rings. When I visited a Greek high school, I was thrilled to share with the students my experiences as a young champion ambassador and forge friendships I plan to continue. The hospitality of the Greeks was heartwarming. There was a connection - the mountains of Ancient Olympia reminded me of the purple mountain majesties of Olympic City USA, and I shared that connection by singing America the Beautiful during the celebration.  

On the morning of the torch relay, I realized my life was going to change forever, when I wore the torch bearer outfit. As I was walking down the street of Ancient Olympia to take my position, I knew I was going to be a part of a historic event. Pacing back and forth, I was anxiously waiting for the torch. The magical moment arrived! My heart was pounding when I held the Japanese Cherry Blossom designed rose gold torch and I saw the emblem on the torch that represents the flow of the Olympic Flame. Behind the entourage of the police cars, motorcycles, and cameras, I could see the Olympic Flame heading my way. Time stood still as I stretched my hand to light my torch with the Olympic Flame - a symbol of purity and life. I was handed the olive branch, a symbol of peace between nations. As I started running, amid the cheers and applause from bystanders, I realized the power of the Olympic Flame - a symbol of tolerance and hope that lights our way. The torch had been lit and a thousand generations lived within me.

The torch relay has amassed innumerable memorable moments for me. Back in the days before medals, olive wreaths were given as prizes in the ancient Olympic Games. Men competed for honor. Running in the torch relay, representing my country, was an honor I will cherish forever. For me, it ignited the torch of inspiration. I will continue to live my life by embracing the Olympic and Paralympic values. I am inspired by the determination and the will of my predecessors to achieve excellence through hard work. I will live my life built on the strong foundation of tolerance and hope and fill it with robust friendships. I will respect others and have the courage to promote equality. I will continue to inspire others to live by these values. Today’s youth shall build upon the achievements of our predecessors and pass on the torch to tomorrow’s youth and keep the flame burning.

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About Shreya Krishnan

Shreya is studying at Discovery Canyon Campus High School. She is a Principal’s Honor Roll student and is inducted in the French Honor and Tri-M Honor Societies. She is a state qualifier for both Speech, and Future Business Leaders of America competitions.

Shreya is a versatile musician. She is a pianist, violinist, dancer, singer, and actress. Notable Voice performances: Carniege Hall (2020), Paris Choral Festival (2019) and more. She placed first in the state of Colorado and city of Colorado Springs in Voice and Violin for three years in the Royal Conservatory Music Examinations. A thespian inductee, she has played lead roles and ensemble in 25 musicals/plays. She has choreographed the Little Shop of Horrors musical and Diwali Show. She has also served as a dance mentor for a program teaching kids with disabilities.

Shreya completed the Mayor’s leadership program, Ticket to Success, in middle school. She was selected to be the spokesperson for the anti-bullying and suicide prevention campaign spearheaded by the Colorado Springs Conservatory. In 2018, she engaged with elementary and middle school students in the Pikes Peak region and spoke at the Colorado Springs City Council and El Paso County Commissioners meetings. In 2019, she was selected to be the country’s youth ambassador for the Tyler Clementi Foundation, working to end all forms of bullying by developing change-making campaigns, organizing fundraisers, and leading activities.

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