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Written by Elizabeth Faletti, BASOC Volunteer Editor and Writer
Olympian Stacey Blumer's Olympic Torch run through San Francisco is a moment she will always treasure. It shines as bright in her heart as her Olympic experience in Nagano where she competed in Freestyle Aerial Skiing. Although she now calls San Francisco home, Stacey has spent most of her life on the East Coast. She grew up in Southington, Connecticut where she started skiing at the young age of six. Stacey skied every day as a kid and was introduced to expressive skiing by her older sister Amy at Mt. Southington, a resort close to her home. "She's a couple years older than I, and when I was 10, she started doing ballet skiing because some of her friends were doing it. Since I copied just about everything else she did, I took it up, too."
Stacey moved to San Francisco after the Games to intern at Schwab through their sponsorship of the U.S. Ski Team. With the help and advice of Dave Pottruck, Schwab CEO, Stacey was interviewed, hired, and trained to be a bond salesman. Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis two years ago, Stacey is passionate about helping others living with arthritis. "I try to help out as much as I can. I did a fundraising bike ride from San Francisco to San Diego in October 2001. I also attended another fundraiser called Athletes Against Arthritis in November."
Stacey became involved with BASOC through her involvement with the Northern California Olympians (NCO). She looks forward to helping out this year as BASOC moves through the final stage of the domestic process. She took a few moments to share her Olympic Torch experience with us and why she thinks the Games should come to the San Francisco Bay Area.
How did it feel to carry the Torch through San Francisco?
Carrying the Torch was a dream. The best part was hanging out at the collection point where we went through orientation. They asked each of us to introduce ourselves and tell who nominated us and why. Hearing the other stories was very special. One woman was doing it for her husband who was nominated but passed away two weeks prior of bone cancer. Even though the stories were sad, everyone was just so excited about carrying the Torch and I just wish I could remember all their names.
When I finally got the Torch, I wanted it to last forever. I jogged to the bottom of the steps of City Hall and almost ran right past Mayor Willie Brown. Then I got to go up the steps and there was a big photo op with Willie. I looked at him and said, "Wow, just imagine what it will be like when we get the Games here in San Francisco in 2012!" He agreed!
I walked back down the steps, passed the Flame, and expected the crowd would follow the Torch. Wrong! There was a huge crowd around me that just wanted to touch it and kiss it and get their picture taken with it. I don't think I gave that many autographs when I competed in the Olympics!
What is your most memorable Olympic moment?
At the Olympics, it was seeing Johnny Moseley bring home the first Gold medal of the Games for the USA. Since the Olympics - it was carrying the Torch up the steps of San Francisco City Hall on January 18th.
Are you still involved with skiing?
I still ski for fun and I help out and guest coach a little with the programs in Tahoe. I also volunteer helping verify scores at the regional events in Tahoe. It's the only way I can ski for free any more, and paying for it takes a lot of the fun out of it!
Why should the Games come to the San Francisco Bay Area in 2012?
For the kids. I just think about the great programs that could come out of this for them. Besides that - where else can we really guarantee the weather like we can here.
Thanks Stacey for your inspiring story and continued support of BASOC!
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