Torch Bearer

Thursday, February 11th, 2010 :: 9:16 pm

The Torch arrived in Vancouver today after spending 104 days in Canada already. Today marks the 105th day of the Olympic Torch Relay and tomorrow, the 106th, is also the last day of the relay where the cauldron will be lit at BC Place Stadium.

Just a few hours ago, after I got off my volunteer shift in downtown, I came back home and rushed off to UBC – having just missed two opportunities close to where I live, including Trevor Linden, darn!

All the way to UBC there were road closures so we had to keep taking detours on the bus. Once I got there, the rain was coming down in full force, and I wondered to myself whether this was a good decision or not. Nonetheless I was already there, and just had to see the torch at least once (well.. I already saw and held one today… maybe more on that later)!

By the time I got to University Blvd. the place was packed. Many people didn’t know the direction which it was coming from or going to, but fortunately I did, so I was able to scout out a spot along the route (where it was still empty!). Many people had Canadian flags, dressed in red and white, cowbells, etc. We waited more than half an hour in the rain before the first parade of policemen on motorbikes came by. Once the torch was in sight, I dropped my umbrella and just shot away! He went by a lot quicker than I thought, but seeing the flame was all worth it – it was an amazing experience to see the torch lit!

What a proud Canadian moment!

Flame reaches the UBC community, where thousands of students are waiting

Vancouver 2010 UBC Torch Bearer

Shutter speed: 1/30s / Aperture: f/4.0 / Focal: 28mm / ISO: 3200

Everyone waiting patiently under the rain

UBC Torch Relay

Shutter speed: 1/25s / Aperture: f/4.0 / Focal: 24mm / ISO: 3200
Candles lit

UBC Torch Relay

Shutter speed: 1/25s / Aperture: f/4.0 / Focal: 80mm / ISO: 3200
Fire truck coming through!

UBC Torch Relay

Shutter speed: 1/25s / Aperture: f/4.0 / Focal: 50mm / ISO: 3200
“With Glowing Hearts” on the back of the torch bearers’ bus

UBC Torch Relay

Shutter speed: 1/200s / Aperture: f/4.0 / Focal: 105mm / ISO: 3200
Finally signs of the torch coming!

UBC Torch Relay

Shutter speed: 1/40s / Aperture: f/4.0 / Focal: 24mm / ISO: 3200
Series of photos as the torch bearer gets closer

UBC Torch Relay

Shutter speed: 1/40s / Aperture: f/4.0 / Focal: 60mm / ISO: 3200
Seeing the torch continuing and chasing it briefly

UBC Torch Relay

Shutter speed: 1/40s / Aperture: f/4.0 / Focal: 60mm / ISO: 3200

6 Responses to “Torch Bearer”

  1. Jenny Says:

    Woo that’s an awesome shot! When I saw it at Killarney the crowd started running with him so I couldn’t get a good shot!

  2. susan Says:

    oh my god that looks so rainy! I’m glad you got to see it though!!! And what was that about holding the torch?!

  3. maricle Says:

    this one is awesome!!

  4. a70 Says:

    Jenny: He went by so fast, I think most people underestimate how fast it is, as soon as you click the shutter you only get a shot of his back :-P I had it on continuous!

    susan: It WAS really rainy, as soon as he was in sight though, I didn’t care and dropped the umbrella and shot in the rain! :-P

    maricle: It was awesome to see it in person!

  5. onion Says:

    I have a photo of you on the other side of the torch bearer’s route on the opening Friday at around 1pm ^^” You were standing next to a friend of mine which I was trying to locate at that time. I don’t think you know him XD and I couldn’t get across. I tried waving at you but you didn’t see me so I took a photo of you instead =P

  6. a70 Says:

    Really! Now that’s interesting! :-P I tried to look for you in my photos – didn’t find any.
    You should send it to my email!

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