Atofina: Olympic torch passes through Philadelphia

Adkins will carry the 3-pound Olympic Torch in Philadelphia, PA on December 22 at 4:10 p.m. on Broad Street between Geary Street and Packer Avenue.

On December 4 in Atlanta, Georgia, Muhammad Ali lit and handed the first symbolic flame to figure skating gold medallist Peggy Fleming and the cross-country journey began. The Torch will travel more than 13,500 miles through 46 states in the hands of 11,500 torchbearers before it reaches its final destination. The 2002 Salt Lake Winter Olympic Games open February 8 in Rice-Eccles Olympic Stadium.

Adkins, a long-time long distance runner, will join former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Steve Young, New York Yankees Manager Joe Torre and CNN anchor Paula Zahn in carrying the torch. In support of recent national events, Lyz Glick, widow of Jeremy Glick, a passenger on United Flight 93 and a victim of the September 11 terrorist attack, will carry the torch through New York.

Nominated by Union Pacific Railroad Company, Adkins had to submit an essay to the Olympic Committee prior to being selected as a torch holder. Her essay movingly told the story of two inspirational figures in her life – her father and Steve Prefontaine, the late Olympic long distance runner who motivated Adkins in her own long distance running.

"I am delighted to be a part of the grand Olympic tradition," said Adkins. "I can’t believe I have been chosen for this incredible honor."