The best part of the Olympics might be the torch relay on June 19th in New York, especially since construction is still not completed in Athens. The Mayor announced the torch bearers today, and by far, the coolest torch bearer is artist Chuck Close. Awesome! There are a number of athletes during the relay (Dikembe Mutombo, Stephon Marbury, Boomer Esiason, Sarah Hughes), as well as educators (Columbia's Lee Bollinger, CUNY's Roscoe Brown Jr), a Diddy-of-all-trades, and other artists (Alvin Ailey's Judith Jamison, actor Brian Stokes Mitchell - swoon!), plus some annoying people (yes, Elisabeth Hasselback, Gothamist is talking to you). But Gothamist suggests you take a look at the bios of some regular New Yorkers who are bearing the torch (bios in this press release) - it's very inspiring.
See the entire list of torchbearers in New York City.
