Olympic Torch could run through Fresno. Who would carry the flame?
The Olympic torch could pass through the streets of Fresno on its way to Los Angeles for the 2028 Summer Games.
Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer is pushing for the idea. His office has already been in negotiations with LA28, the Los Angeles Organizing Committee. He plans to ask the city council on Thursday for approval of an 18-page agreement on potential participation.
“Few traditions reflect the spirit and heritage of the Olympic Games as profoundly as the flame’s journey,” LA28 CEO Reynold Hoover wrote the city on April 24. “We hope that the City of Fresno will join us in this momentous event, and we look forward to working alongside you to shine a global spotlight on your community.”
The Olympic committee has not announced the torch relay route, but it will travel through all 50 states. The 2028 Olympic opening ceremony takes place July 14, 2028.
The agreement would create a local community task force — “composed of (the) city’s relevant stakeholders” according to the document — that, among other duties, would select a route, select the torchbearers and provide marketing and safety guidelines.
There are no rights fee to host a torch relay. Fresno estimates costs up to $100,000 for traffic management, staging and security. An exact route through town will be selected later.
“This represents an extraordinary opportunity for Fresno to showcase our diverse community, culture, and civic identity to a global audience,” the city says in a staff report to the city council.
The torch has come through Fresno at least one time, according to Olympic records — in 1960 on the way to the VIII Olympic Winter Games in what is now called Olympic Valley near Lake Tahoe.
Who will carry the torch?
The community task force would select the torchbearers, but LA28 determines how many and the general qualifications.
“Torchbearers must be selected based on LA28 criteria and shall be subject to a security background check. Torchbearer slots are merit-based and cannot be sold, exchanged for donations or value of any kind, or given away as a prize. LA28 will provide guidance on the process and timelines for selecting City torchbearers in the CPG. Elected officials and/or political candidates will not be eligible for torchbearer selection,” the agreement says.
There is no shortage of great Olympians from Fresno and Fresno State who could carry the torch through the streets of Fresno.
Maxie Parks won gold in the 1976 Montreal games as the anchor leg on the 4x400 track relay. He said the torch coming through Fresno would be “a great honor.”
Parks said being an Olympic champion allowed the Washington Union and UCLA track star to share his experience with young athletes.
“Having myself as an example of someone who’s come from a low percentage of achievement to get to that level, but being able to continue through perseverance and belief that I could actually be that person to go as high as my expectation of being an Olympian,” Parks said.
The city honored Parks with a community center in his name. Parks, who is now retired, still volunteers to share his track expertise.
“I have to get in shape. I’m 75 years old now,” Parks said.
Fresno softball legends want to carry torch
Laura Berg is not only one of the most decorated Fresno State softball players of all time, but she is also a four-time Olympian, winning three golds and a silver.
“That would be absolutely incredible. I think it’s something that’s special. I remember being at the opening ceremonies and seeing the torch get lit is just something that is amazing,” said Berg, who has worked as the Oregon State head coach for the last 13 years.
Berg reflected on her Olympic success.
“There’s just nothing better than wearing the USA across your chest and being able to represent your family and your university, your teammates, your coaches, and I’ve been very blessed, very lucky to have the coaches that I had to help develop me and to help prepare me to play in the Olympic Games,” Berg said.
Asked if she would want to be a Fresno torchbearer, Berg said: “I would be there in a heartbeat.”
Shelly Stokes is a two-time gold medalist in softball (1996, 2000) after a stellar career at Fresno State. She, too, said she would be honored to carry the torch.
“I think it’ll be great for the city and kind of bring the Olympics a little bit closer to us, for those who aren’t going to travel to watch any of the events, and it kind of just brings it full circle,” she said.
Although most events will take place in southern California, 2028 Olympic softball will be held in Oklahoma City.
Stokes still lives in Fresno, working in risk management. She remembers the camaraderie with her teammates, and wearing the red, white and blue.
“It’s a huge, huge honor to represent the United States of America. I mean, we’re the best country in the world,” she said. “It opened the door to be able to speak to the youth, to give little girls the opportunity to realize that their dreams can come true.”
Stokes keeps her medals in a display case in her closet, but will share them at events. She recently coached at a clinic with her former Olympic and college coach, Margie Wright.
“I love sharing it. The opportunity for people to see a gold medal in person. I don’t take that for granted, and I love to share it,” Stokes said.
