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Just a few years ago, Holly Martin couldn't walk a city block without stopping to catch her breath. Now, she can run 10 K without stopping and just made the run of her life when she carried the Olympic Flame in downtown Charlottetown on November 22.
"I felt that there had been a mistake!" was Holly's first impression. "It seemed like an impossibility; that I would even be considered as a torch bearer. So, to have my coworkers present me with the news that I had been selected, simply overwhelmed me."
However, the Network Operations Customer Service Manager from Stratford PEI, has really earned her coworkers admiration over the past 3 ½ years. She joined a program called UFIT, lost 130 pounds and has become a role model for others looking to take the first step towards a more active and healthier lifestyle.
"I attend that hour-long class daily, and it has helped me become strong so I can pursue other athletic goals," Holly explained. "At 42, I can run 10 K now - something I couldn't do even when I was in my twenties."
For Holly, the Olympic Flame is a symbol of excellence that she doesn't take lightly. She believes it's not just a reflection on winning, but the integrity through which we compete - in sport and in life. That's why, in addition to her new-found commitment to fitness, she continues to share her time through the Bell Aliant Pioneers and other charitable causes.
"Helping those in need in the community has always been a priority to me," she said. "So as long as I am able, I will dedicate a small part of my life in improving the lives of others. I'm hoping that others will do the same."
Holly hopes her moment of Olympic glory serves as an inspiration for all her friends, family and co-workers as they strive to achieve their goals.
"I've brought honor to myself by wanting to give back to those who have helped me achieve my goals," she says. "Perhaps by exhibiting the Olympic Spirit I can help improve the lives of others, one small step at a time."
I met Holly at the Ufit classes which I mention quite a bit on my blog and on facebook. Holly was the spunky one who would get in the middle and teach for a bit. I always admired that she could do that, and secretly wished that someday I could! Holly contacted me for photos that would possibly appear on the Aliant website. I didn't know what the reason for the new photos was but I was excited to hang out with her spunkiness for a bit and accepted. As we walked around downtown Charlottetown, taking photos and laughing, she told me about the torch-bearing opportunity and that she was nominated by her coworkers. I was in awe. Losing 130 pounds and not a spec of spirit, my heart grew. I said to her when she left, I know this is why I love my photography. I get to meet amazing people, and hear their amazing stories. I was very disappointed that I could not make the torch bearing ceremony, but believe me Holly, I am none the less proud of your accomplishments this past Sunday and am glad that we were brought to meet via ufit!
"I felt that there had been a mistake!" was Holly's first impression. "It seemed like an impossibility; that I would even be considered as a torch bearer. So, to have my coworkers present me with the news that I had been selected, simply overwhelmed me."
However, the Network Operations Customer Service Manager from Stratford PEI, has really earned her coworkers admiration over the past 3 ½ years. She joined a program called UFIT, lost 130 pounds and has become a role model for others looking to take the first step towards a more active and healthier lifestyle.
"I attend that hour-long class daily, and it has helped me become strong so I can pursue other athletic goals," Holly explained. "At 42, I can run 10 K now - something I couldn't do even when I was in my twenties."
For Holly, the Olympic Flame is a symbol of excellence that she doesn't take lightly. She believes it's not just a reflection on winning, but the integrity through which we compete - in sport and in life. That's why, in addition to her new-found commitment to fitness, she continues to share her time through the Bell Aliant Pioneers and other charitable causes.
"Helping those in need in the community has always been a priority to me," she said. "So as long as I am able, I will dedicate a small part of my life in improving the lives of others. I'm hoping that others will do the same."
Holly hopes her moment of Olympic glory serves as an inspiration for all her friends, family and co-workers as they strive to achieve their goals.
"I've brought honor to myself by wanting to give back to those who have helped me achieve my goals," she says. "Perhaps by exhibiting the Olympic Spirit I can help improve the lives of others, one small step at a time."
I met Holly at the Ufit classes which I mention quite a bit on my blog and on facebook. Holly was the spunky one who would get in the middle and teach for a bit. I always admired that she could do that, and secretly wished that someday I could! Holly contacted me for photos that would possibly appear on the Aliant website. I didn't know what the reason for the new photos was but I was excited to hang out with her spunkiness for a bit and accepted. As we walked around downtown Charlottetown, taking photos and laughing, she told me about the torch-bearing opportunity and that she was nominated by her coworkers. I was in awe. Losing 130 pounds and not a spec of spirit, my heart grew. I said to her when she left, I know this is why I love my photography. I get to meet amazing people, and hear their amazing stories. I was very disappointed that I could not make the torch bearing ceremony, but believe me Holly, I am none the less proud of your accomplishments this past Sunday and am glad that we were brought to meet via ufit!
Tags:
2010 olympics
,
aliant
,
bell aliant
,
charlottetown
,
flame
,
holly
,
holly martin
,
motivation
,
olympic
,
pei
,
pei photographer
,
prince edward island
,
spirit
,
stratford
,
torch bearer
,
ufit
,
weight loss
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Comments
Wow! That's incredible!
(11.24.09)I have a huge lump in my throat reading this. Holly, you are truly an inspiration. to me! Congratulations on your accomplishments and everything!
(11.24.09)Absolutley amazing Holly! You are definiely an inspiration (and I don't even know you)!
(11.26.09)Congratulations on your achievments, and on the honor of carrying the Torch... ps...42?? Are ya sure?? "Cause you don't look like it :)
What a story! Congratulations Holly.
(11.26.09)Holly! You are such an amazing source of insporation and laughs at UFIT, I couldn't imagine it without you!!!
(11.27.09)Hi you might be interested in this short video of the torch rally in Charlottetown: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2riHXoV7J8
There's a whole series of videos following the torch rally: http://www.youtube.com/user/canadiantourism#g/c/3D6317EAD1420D8E
Enjoy!
(11.27.09)Wow! What an inspirational story! Congratulations to Holly! Great pictures as usual Rachel :)
(11.27.09)I can relate........ amazing.
(11.29.09)