Utah’s David Huntsman carries Olympic torch in rain‑soaked Milan suburb, highlights mental health ahead of 2034 Games

MERATE, Italy — Rainfall didn’t stop Utah’s David Huntsman from carrying the Olympic flame Tuesday morning as the torch continued its journey toward Milan, where it will light the cauldron in three days. Huntsman, joined by cheering family members, ran his segment of the relay in Merate, a northern suburb of Milan. Despite umbrellas lining the street, the weather was the least of his concerns as he focused on representing a cause important to his family and to Utah. The Huntsman family is widely known for their work in raising awareness about mental health. When the Utah 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Committee invited Huntsman to participate in the torch relay ahead of this year’s Games, he saw the moment as a chance to bring that message to a global audience. “The Olympics, as an organization, recognizes the importance of this,” Huntsman said. Huntsman said he hopes mental health will play a prominent role in the Utah 2034 Winter Games. He has spoken with the International Olympic Committee about integrating mental‑health support more visibly into Olympic culture, especially for athletes. “Our foundation, our family foundation, wants to partner and be a good partner with the Olympics, so we can talk about mental health and use it as an opportunity to benefit all Utahns and all people,” Huntsman said. He added that while the competition is a key part of the Games, what remains afterward matters just as much. It’s what is known in Utah as the Olympic Legacy. “It’s not just about the Games, it’s not just about the competition, but it’s what’s left behind when the Games are over with,” he said. Conversations around mental health, particularly in sports, have grown significantly in the past decade. Huntsman hopes his family and their foundation have contributed to that cultural shift. A clear mind, he believes, allows athletes to perform at their best as they chase gold on the world’s biggest stage. [gallery ids="873850,873849,873848,873847,873846"]

Related topics