Salt Lake Lights Fire Within as Winter Games Approaches

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Thursday, February 07, 2002

Salt Lake Lights Fire Within as Winter Games Approaches

Before Olympians hit ice and snow to display inspirational performances at the weekend, Salt Lake City is touching the hearts of people with its ambassadors -- torch bearers.

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Before Olympians hit ice and snow to display inspirational performances at the weekend, Salt Lake City is touching the hearts of people with its ambassadors -- torch bearers.

Hundreds of thousands of local residents shrugged off the bone-chilling coldness outside, taking to the street to greet the torch relay, which arrives on Wednesday after a nationwide tour.

The spectators got into an exciting mood as they screamed and yelled, with cameras flashing light around the jogging torch-bearers dressed in white.

The phrase of "light fire within" emblazoned on the torch is a true reflection of what has happened to the bearers.

Linda Isom suffered a very serious back injury in a road accident two years ago, which not only brought her severe physical pain but also gave blow to her confidence.

But she recovered eventually, setting an example on what to do when a bad thing happens, said her husband Jeff Isom, who recommended her wife to the relay organisers.

"She did not want to get let down and continued, determined to get better again, and lead a normal life,"said Jeff.

"She was an inspiration not only to me but also a lot of people she knows," he added.

Linda is never the lone hero among the torch bearers.

Dan Clark, who used to play American football, was hurt and threatened to be paralyzed for two years.

But he stood up and embarked on seeking a new life, writing stories for those in trouble or misfortune.

He said that he has began writing stories for the book "Chicken

Soup for the Soul", because "stories can change the world".

"They were nominated because they are inspirational," said one staff in charge of the torch relay.

A twin in elementary school have held apiece a home-made torch to join the spectators and look forward to a chance of taking pictures with their icons.

"They made the torch by themselves, for they just want to get into the spirit of the games," said the twin's mother.

As the on-lookers were inspired, the torch bearers also got emotional when asked why they joined the torch relay.

"The country has been through a lot, we need to show we are a strong country and show to the other countries we support them, and that is the biggest thing, it is the best to show our support," said Linda.

Hall Vanmeeteren, who was nominated for the relay because his heroic deed in saving victims, did not forget those firefighters who lost their lives in the terror attacks against World Trade Center in New York.

"I will dedicate my run to all firefighters who lost their lives in New York," said Hall.

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