Dean Karnazes Selected to Carry Olympic Torch

Posted April 9, 2008 at 11:12 AM by Adam Jacobs

Section: News, Ultramarathons

According to his new blog entry at Runner’s World, “Ultramarathon Man” Dean Karnazes has been selected to carry the Olympic torch while it passes through his hometown of San Francisco, CA.

Karnazes, an elite (and at times controversial) ultra endurance athlete, is coming off of an impressive victory at the grueling Atacama Crossing, a 275-K race across the Atacama Desert in Chile.  He was also the recipient of ESPN’s 2007 ESPY Award for “Best Outdoor Athlete”. 

In his announcement about being selected for - and accepting - this honor, Karnazes wrote:

“It is with great honor that I am letting you know I have been selected to carry the Olympic Torch as it passes through my home city of San Francisco.  The selection process had begun quite some time ago, but it was requested that all those being considered for this distinction keep the information confidential.

The Olympic Torch Relay is a highly emotional event, one that accentuates excitement, passion, joy, optimism, and inspiration.  It also sets the tone for messages of good-will and unity, hope, peace, harmony, friendship and pride.”

To read Karnazes entire blog post, which includes his stance on the now extremely politicized torch relay and the Beijing Olympic Games in general, please visit:  http://dean.runnersworld.com/

To learn more about Karnazes, check out the following episodes of TheFinalSprint.com Running Podcast:

TFS Podcast 9: Interview with extreme ultramarathoner Dean Karnazes TFS Podcast 83: Dean Karnazes on the ESPY, 24-hr record, and criticisms from Scott Jurek