On the 31st of July, 2000 Irene Serebryanikov of Year 11 and Julian Howard of Year 8 were a part of the Olympic Torch Relay. Julian was escort to Torch Bearers Katherine Simmons, Alexandra Clark, Tom Cross and Judy Joy Davies along Nepean Hwy, whilst Irene was escort to the Torch Bearers Gordon Bennett, Eve Lustig, Pam Ryan and Larry Sengstoc along Chapel St.
Many McKinnon students were there to support their fellow students and run alongide. It was a very exciting place to be to witness the Olympic Flame along its journey and to support McKinnon students in their participation of this historic event. Irene and Julian are to be congratulated on their successful applications to run in the 2000 Olympic Torch Relay.
AN OLYMPIC MOMENT TORCHBEARERS ESCORT
Monday 31st July - an average sort of day if you asked anyone. For me it meant the experience of a lifetime. That was the day when I escorted the Olympic torch along Chapel Street, Prahran on its journey to Sydney. Not pretending to be part of the Olympic team, I feel connected with Australians in their dream to achieve their true potential. The actual run lasted about 15 minutes but it felt as if only a second had passed. I felt as if I was floating on a cloud, vaguely aware of my surroundings. What touched me more than anything else was the amount of encouragement that my friends showed. They were with me every metre of the way, cheering and hinting to the torchbearer to give me the flame. At last he got the point. Those that didn't make it to the end had just as much trouble trying to dodge the crowds and were even running in high heels (not naming any names - you know who you are. I end with a thank you - to everyone who has shown their support. Without all of you the experience would not have been the same."
Irene Serebryanikov - Year 11
More torch-related pictures can be found at the super assembly pages