Milan, Italy — The Olympic torch made its grand entrance into Milan on Thursday, February 5, 2026, igniting excitement and a sense of unity among massive crowds gathered to witness the historic relay. Spectators filled the streets, ranging from schoolchildren to office workers and curious passersby, all eager to catch a glimpse of the iconic flame as it made its way through the city. At the forefront of this vibrant gathering were key figures from Utah’s Olympic leadership, including Fraser Bullock and Gail Miller, who embodied the spirit of the Olympic Games. As the torchbearers made their way through the city, excitement was palpable. Many onlookers attempted to snap selfies with the torch or reach out to touch the flame. There were light-hearted moments, such as some spectators mistakenly guessing that Bullock was actor Steve Baldwin, while others gazed at Miller with awe, whispering “que bella” as she passed by, even as questions of her identity floated through the crowd. Miller, who carried the torch as the last of six Utah torchbearers, relayed the emotional weight of the moment. “It was so emotional to know all those people were here cheering for the same thing, and I get to be part of it,” Miller expressed. The significance of the relay was not lost on her, as she recalled her previous experience carrying the torch during the 2002 Winter Games in Salt Lake City alongside her late husband, Larry Miller. The relay in Milan showcased the participation of various Utah torchbearers, each carrying the flame in honor of youth sports, athlete development, mental health, and education. After Miller’s turn in the CityLife shopping district, she reflected on the importance of community and volunteerism, stating, “We lit this flame, and it’s burning across the world in anticipation of something bigger and better, together.” Amidst the bustling crowd, Miller noted the energy that permeated the atmosphere. “Oh, I hope we’ll have more crowds than that in Utah,” she remarked, emphasizing the potential for even greater gatherings in the years leading up to Utah’s hosting of the 2034 Winter Games. “We’ve got eight, nine years to be able to bring this all together. We can do a lot to bring people together, give them experiences, and opportunities to volunteer to be a part of it.” As the captain of Podium 34, a fundraising initiative aimed at creating a lasting legacy for the upcoming Games, Miller highlighted the importance of community involvement in crafting a memorable Olympic experience. “They all wanted to just be a part of it,” she said, emphasizing that the Olympics are about more than just competition. “The magic of the Olympics is that they can volunteer and be a part of what’s going on. These are things that the future brings for the youth of today.” Fraser Bullock, who serves as the president and executive chair of Utah 2034, echoed the sentiment of unity and excitement surrounding the torch relay. Having previously participated in torch relays for the 2002 and 2010 Games, he described the exhilarating atmosphere that surrounds the Olympic flame. “This is the magic of the torch relay,” he stated. “The Olympic flame brings unity and hope and inspiration. They just want to be part of it, and the torch does that.” The streets of Milan were alive with energy as employees from nearby stores flooded their storefronts to witness the spectacle, while children shouted encouragement from balconies above. The joy and enthusiasm radiating from the crowd underscored the power of the Olympic spirit, as spectators felt a collective connection to the flame. Miller remarked, “Those kids, they didn’t know who I was; they wanted a picture of that torch. Everybody puts at least a little bit of themselves in that flame, and when it’s put together on the cauldron, we’re all burning brightly together.” As the torch relay continues to unfold, the anticipation for the upcoming Winter Games remains high. The event not only serves as a prelude to the competitions ahead but also as a reminder of the values of community, participation, and unity that the Olympics aim to promote. With the world watching, the Olympic flame symbolizes hope and inspiration, rekindling the communal spirit that lies at the heart of these international games. With the energy of Milan’s streets still fresh in their minds, both Bullock and Miller are hopeful for what lies ahead for Utah as it prepares to welcome the world for the 2034 Winter Games, emphasizing that the Olympic journey has only just begun for their community and beyond.