Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
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Keith McCord Reporting Hard to believe it was four years ago that the Winter Games were here! So much work to get the games; so much work --and fun-- putting them on! We thought you might like to re-live some of Utah's Olympic moments again, so each day, during the Torino Games, we'll look back to what was happening here, on the corresponding day.
The first day of any Olympics is a spectacular day--Opening Ceremonies! It's usually the most anticipated event, full of excitement, color, and local flavor. In 2002, we put on quite a show too.
On the morning of the opening of the 2002 games, there was still much to do. The most important of all, though, was to get the Olympic Flame to Rice-Eccles Stadium on time for Opening Ceremonies.
The torch relay was well underway before sun-up. Each person who carried it was inspired by it. Of course, famous Utahn's took their turns, including Steve Young, Donnie and Marie, along with their father, former Jazzmen Jeff Hornecek, Thurl Bailey, and John Stockton.
John Stockton: "I didn't want to trip, and that was about it. Looking around to see if I saw any familiar faces, and just everyone was so enthused, it was like everybody was familiar."
The torch had traveled for months and for tens of thousands of miles before getting to Utah, and now it was in the valley! On this day it zigged and zagged back and forth in front of thousands of enthusiastic folks who lined the streets to see.
Bob Costas: "And 52,000 are in attendance at Olympic stadium at the University of Utah campus. It's the largest crowd ever for a winter opening ceremony."
There we were; our city, our football stadium, live on worldwide television. Bob, Katie, Jim and others describing for the next 3 hours; an incredible production.
Opening Ceremonies, where ever they're held, always take on the feel of the local culture. Ours certainly had a western theme. Native American Tribal leaders gave special blessings; The Dixie Chicks and many others performed; there was dancing and clogging as the transcontinental railroad was completed again!
The Parade of Nations was certainly one of the colorful highlights. President Bush joined with Team USA, once they were in their seats.
The 51 athletes of Latvia owe a bit of gratitude to our own Bruce Lindsay, for spearheading the effort to make sure their team was actually SEEN during the broadcast!
Bob Costas: "Which brings us to Latvia. And they score points for an effective campaign to appear on television after years of being relegated to commercial oblivion!"
Katie Couric: "So hello Latvia!"
And finally, on cue, it arrived at Olympic Stadium. With all the athletes, and more than 50-thousand people, including President Bush and other dignitaries, the world would finally see who would light the cauldron.
Bob Costas: "And 52,000 are in attendance at Olympic stadium at the University of Utah campus. It's the largest crowd ever for a winter opening ceremony."
It was a group effort-- the 1980 Team USA Gold Medal Hockey team, together again for a perfect moment. The Olympic Cauldron came alive, four years ago on this day in Salt Lake. The games could now begin.
