By Michelle Jensen
President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Gordon B. Hinckley, held the torch on Thursday, Feb. 7 as it neared the end of the cross-country journey.
Elder Hales of the Council of the Twelve carried the torch to the First Presidency. He then passed the torch from Elder Faust to Elder Monson to President Hinckley. President Hinckley passed it to Elder Maxwell who then carried it to the next relay point.
According to SLOC officials both Elder Hales and Elder Maxwell were wearing the official Olympic uniforms but the first presidency wore suit and tie.
“The Presidency won”t carry the torch. President Hinckley is 91 years old,” said Mike Otterson, director of media relations.
According to Otterson the Presidency carried the Olympic flame from State Street west to Main Street.
“Elder Hales is the chairman of the Olympic support team,” Otterson said. “He had the most to do with channeling support to the Olympics.”
Not only has Elder Maxwell been involved in many charitable activities but he also has an inspiring story of recovery and life. “His bout with leukemia is amazing,” Otterson said.
President Hinckley said a few words when he was handed the torch in front of the Church Administration Building.
