Gail Miller carries Olympic torch via Milan forward of 2026 Games

MILAN — Gail Miller carried the Olympic torch via a busy purchasing heart in Milan Thursday night, drawing cheers from crowds and reflecting on the legacy of Salt Lake City’s 2002 Games as Utah prepares to host once more in 2034.

Miller, a businesswoman and philanthropist, walked her portion of the relay via the CityLife Shopping District, an open-air purchasing heart in downtown Milan.

It marked her second time taking part in a torch relay after beforehand carrying the flame through the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.

“It was so emotional to know all those people were here cheering on for the same thing and knowing that I get to be part of it. They don’t even know who I am,” mentioned Miller with amusing.

While many within the crowd might not have acknowledged her, Miller is a key determine serving to help Utah’s preparations for the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

She and her household have been long-time advocates of neighborhood involvement, volunteerism and philanthropy.

“We’re willing to put our time and our money assets together to make that happen,” she mentioned. “It’s not a selfish thing. It’s something that we do willingly, that we do for the benefit of others.”

Miller mentioned the relay reminded her of the lasting affect of the 2002 Games and what they delivered to Utah.

Related: Utahn Amy Garff runs portion of the Olympic torch hoping to encourage college students forward of 2034 Olympics

“You look at what happened in 2002 with our venues that are still viable today, and all the people that been able to enjoy them because the Olympics were there,” she mentioned. “Without the Olympics, we wouldn’t have had these venues for people to enjoy.”

She believes the Olympic motion continues to unite folks throughout cultures and generations.

“Isn’t that the exciting thing about the Olympics? It brings people together,” mentioned Miller.

She additionally joked she wasn’t anticipating to hold the torch via a shopping mall.

“It’s a unique experience. I never thought about going through a shopping mall, carrying the torch,” Miller mentioned. “I’ll remember that forever.”

Miller mentioned she can be practically 90 years outdated when Utah hosts the Games in 2034 however mentioned she would gladly take part once more if given the prospect.

She mentioned the power she felt in Milan is one thing she hopes to carry again to Utah.

“That’s the idea of being here,” she mentioned. “We’ll see what goes on here. We want to take it home with us and we want to make it even better.”