The Year The Olympic Torch Came Through Rome, Georgia: Remembering the 1996 Olympic Torch Relay
Picture a summer Georgia day in 1996. Sun-drenched sidewalks, the buzz of excitement, and a collective anticipation crackling in the air. This wasn’t just any ordinary day in Rome, Georgia – it was the day the Olympic torch, bearer of the Olympic spirit, blazed its way through our hometown.
That summer I was 15 years old and my mom took me, my brother, and a couple of friends to what is now The Heritage Hall Annex of Georgia Highlands College’s parking lot to witness a historical moment in Rome, Georgia. It was the day the Olympic torch bearer would pass through Rome.
At the time I thought it was cool but didn’t give much thought to the making of a historical moment. My brother and I got souvenirs from that event and over the year my mom collected her own types of souvenirs. I got a sunvisor while my brother got a flag, my mom got a Coca-Cola bottle, pins, and thimbles.
The 1996 Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta ignited a fervor across the state, and Rome wasn’t going to miss out on the magic. On July 16th, the torch, carried by local hero and marathoner Gary Elrod, snaked its way through cheering crowds lining Broad Street, Glen Millner and East 2nd Ave.
But the Olympic flame’s passage through Rome wasn’t just a fleeting moment. It left an indelible mark, immortalized in bronze: The Olympic Torch Plaque. Standing proudly in front of the Rome City Auditorium (or City Hall, depending on who you ask!), this plaque depicts a torchbearer triumphantly striding towards the iconic Capitoline Wolf Statue.
It’s more than just a monument; it’s a tangible reminder of that extraordinary day when Rome shared in the Olympic dream. Every glance evokes the roar of the crowd, the heat of the torch, and the collective spirit that united our community under the Olympic banner.
The plaque whispers stories of local runners, like Elrod, who carried the torch with unwavering determination. It speaks of children, eyes wide with wonder, cheering on the symbol of athletic excellence. It even hints at the camaraderie forged among neighbors, sharing in the celebration on sidewalk celebrations as the flame passed by.
But the Olympic Torch Plaque’s significance transcends the nostalgia of a single day. It’s a beacon of inspiration, urging us to chase our own personal flames of passion and excellence. It reminds us that the Olympic spirit isn’t confined to grand stadiums – it thrives in the hearts of ordinary people, in small towns like Rome, where dreams take flight and communities come together.
So next time you stroll by the City Hall, take a moment to appreciate the unassuming bronze plaque. Let its flame rekindle the memories of that glorious summer day and ignite your own inner fire. Remember, the Olympic spirit wasn’t just a visitor in 1996; it became a part of Rome’s DNA, waiting to be rekindled in every generation.
Want to delve deeper into Rome’s Olympic connection? Here are some ideas:
- Visit the Rome Area History Center: Immerse yourself in local history and learn more about the town’s role in the 1996 Olympic torch relay.
- Follow the “Olympic Torch Relay Route” through Rome: Retrace the steps of the torchbearer and relive the excitement of that historic day.
Let’s keep the Olympic flame burning brightly in Rome, Georgia, for years to come!
Read our post on the Historical Tour Of Broad Street for more historical markers in Rome, Georgia. Broad Street is one of the most popular places people go “When In Rome, Georgia.” It has the best collection of food, shopping, and entertainment venues in and around Rome. You may not know how a Broad Street tour reveals our rich local history. If you start at one end of Broad Street and stroll to the other end, you will find some fantastic stories and the history of our town.
