Prof. to run flame in Olympic Torch Relay

---

Tweet

James Pivarnik, an MSU professor who specializes in exercise habits of women and children, will get a workout of his own in January when he carries the Olympic flame as part of the 27,000-mile Olympic Torch Relay leading up to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

A professor jointly appointed by MSU’s departments of kinesiology and epidemiology, Pivarnik will carry the torch for about 1,000 feet Jan. 19 as the Olympic Torch Relay makes its way through Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He was one of 18 people chosen by Coca-Cola to carry the torch.

Approximately 12,000 people worldwide will carry the torch for the relay.

“It’s a tremendous honor,” Pivarnik said. “It’s great. It’s exciting.”

As an official sponsor of the 2010 Olympic Games, Coca-Cola was allotted a certain amount of space for runners. The company also partners with the American College of Sports Medicine, or ACSM, of which Pivarnik became president in May.

Pivarnik was nominated to carry the torch by his colleagues, Coca-Cola spokeswoman Helen Tarleton said in a statement. Specifically, Tarleton said Pivarnik was chosen by ACSM because of his work in promoting exercise to decrease risk factors for chronic disease.

“Dr. Pivarnik has shown remarkable dedication in encouraging others and making a positive difference in so many lives,” Tarleton said. “We are saluting him by offering this special opportunity to carry the Olympic flame.”

Pivarnik, who has taught at MSU since 1994, said he likely will not train in advance because of the short distance he will run, which is about one lap around a standard running track.

“I’ll do my usual (preparation),” he said. “I hope I can handle 300 meters. I’ve never run 300 meters with a torch in my hand, that’s for sure.”

Joseph Gardiner, interim chairman of the Department of Epidemiology, said he felt Pivarnik is a good choice to carry the Olympic flame.

“I can only say nice things about James,” Gardiner said. “He has been recognized nationally by many organizations. He’s really trained and in perfect shape.”

Others selected by Coca-Cola to carry the torch include Shawn Johnson, an Olympic gold medalist in women’s gymnastics, several presidents of national associations such as the American Dietetic Association and about 10 young adults.

---