They Carried the Olympic Torch — Now We Say Goodbye

These Olympic torch bearers died recently — but they lived remarkable lives.

The Olympic flame as a symbol of the Games can be traced to ancient Greece, where a fire was kept burning throughout the celebration of the ancient Olympics. In the modern Olympic era, the flame has taken on new importance. The flame still burns prominently throughout each Olympiad, just as it did for the ancient Greeks. Now, in addition, before the start of each Olympic Games, thousands of volunteers help to carry the torch from Greece – birthplace of the Olympics – to the host city. Over the decades, countless Olympic veterans and others noted for their service to community and country have participated in the torch relay. Today we remember a few Olympic torch bearers who have died in recent months.

Community hero Simon Goss (1941 - 2017)

A resident of Southern California, Goss officiated sports at all levels for over 40 years and "was well-known and respected by coaches and players." In 1996 the avid runner was chosen to carry the Olympic torch as a “community hero” in the Los Angeles leg of the Summer Games relay. Read more

Organ donor Kathy Ann Gibney (1949 - 2017)

In 2000, Gibney did something amazing: she donated a kidney to her boss. Two years later, in recognition of her extraordinary act of kindness, she carried the Olympic torch for the Salt Lake Winter Olympics. Read more

Senior Olympian Carl Grubbs (1934 - 2017)

At age 50, Grubbs decided to get in shape. He began walking then jogging, working his way up to 5K and 10K races and, eventually, marathons. In retirement, he participated in the Senior Olympics winning gold, silver, and bronze medals and qualifying to compete in the state and national competitions. "A special treat came when Carl could be part of the 1996 Atlanta Olympic torch relay" in California. He carried the torch that "ended up in the hands of Mohammad Ali in Atlanta, giving Carl a sense of accomplishment in athletics and civil rights." Read more