Tennessee
A tradition like no other: Tennessee man carries Olympic torch in France
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – Konstantin Kondylis was the first to ever carry the Olympic torch back in 1936.
The tradition of the Olympic torch relay continues on nearly 100 years later, with relays happening across France in preparation for this year’s Paris Olympics.
Rutherford County’s Andre Hillsman was chosen alongside 19 of his colleagues at Bridgestone to run a part of the relay in France.
“We always focus on dignity and respect,” Hillsman said. “I come to work every day, my thought process is to follow that.”
Hillsman joined the Bridgestone family 25 years ago at their La Vergne plant, which employs nearly 1,000 people.
Now in a position of leadership, he says he oversees the same quality control labs he trained on when he started.
“Even though I’m in leadership, I’m not one of those people that goes looking for accolades,” Hillsman said.
Hillsman says he never wants the spotlight, but the spotlight would find him a year ago. He found out a peer had nominated him to carry the torch for the 2024 games.
Even with that nomination, he’d have to be voted on globally in a company of nearly 120,000 people. It all became real when he found out he was 1 of 20 chosen.
“We have roughly over 120,000 employees worldwide,” Hillsman said. “To be considered in that top 20 is an amazing feeling.”
It’s truly a once in a lifetime opportunity.
With over 8 billion people estimated living in the world, and with 11,000 torch bearers between the Olympic and Paralympic games, Hillsman’s chance to carry sat at 0.0001375%.
He has a better chance statistically at winning the lottery.
“It’s going to be surreal, without a doubt,” Hillsman said.
Hillsman’s relay was a 200 meter stretch in Rouen, France. That’s about the length of half of a track.
“First thing I asked, I said, ‘How far is this thing we’re going to actually be running?’”
Two weeks ago, before his relay, his teammates in the La Vergne plant had a celebration to send him off and wish him well before the big trip.
One of his peers even 3D printed a model of this year’s torch design.
”God has always had a hand on me, I feel like that,” Hillsman said. “I’m blessed beyond belief, and I’m blessed to be able to touch these peoples’ lives everyday as well.”
Hillsman says when the relay is said and done, he’ll be spending time over in Europe with his family, making a trip of the opportunity.
“To have this honor, it’s quite high on my list of things in life,” Hillsman said.
Bridgestone is an Official Worldwide Olympic Partner. The company sent 20 employees over to be torch bearers for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Copyright 2024 WSMV. All rights reserved.
The Tennessee Volunteers have been looking to land the best of the best when it comes to the transfer portal, and they have been targeting the best, but as of recently, all it has been is a bunch of swings and misses.
The Vols have missed yet again, as they have failed to land one of their top targets on their board when it comes to the college football transfer portal at a position that they currently need more than any. That position is the cornerback position, which is one that they need very badly.
The player that they failed to land in this go-around is Troy cornerback Jaquez White. White is one of the better players that the portal has seen at the position, as he was easily named as a top portal target for many. He was seriously looking at Tennessee, and the Vols were ready to bring him in, but instead, he has opted to commit to the Virginia Tech Hokies. The Hokies have done a decent job in the portal thus far, but their portal class has definitely improved following the addition of White.
Whether this is a money thing or the Vols just couldn’t do enough convincing, the point is that they have missed on guys left and right recently. The vision isn’t clear, but fans are hopeful that it will be soon.
Here is what White did in his 2025 season according to the Troy website.
Jaquez White’s 2025 Season
“Earned All-Sun Belt Second Team honors … Ranked third in the league (seventh nationally) with 14 total passes defended and fourth (15th nationally) with 11 pass break ups … Started 12 games and played in all 14 contests … Returned an interception 30 yards for a touchdown in Troy’s victory over Louisiana; added interceptions against Nicholls and in Sun Belt Championship Game at James Madison … Finished season with 67 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and a sack … Sack came in Troy’s win over South Alabama; added five tackles, a quarterback hurry and a pass break up in the game … Season-best seven tackles against Memphis … Broke up four passes in win at ULM and had a pair at Southern Miss … Troy’s top-rated defender per PFF with an 87.6 rating … Played 879 defensive snaps, second most on the team … Third-rated cornerback in the country (min. 700 snaps) per PFF and fourth-rated cover corner … Held opponents to a 54.5 reception percentage (36-of-66).”
More Vols News
Tennessee defensive lineman Josh Schell has entered the transfer portal, he announced on social media on Jan. 6.
Schell had a short stint at Tennessee after transferring from Grand Valley State in April. He played all 13 games and made one tackle in the 2025 season.
Schell played more than 100 snaps, mostly on special teams. He never cracked the rotation on the defensive line.
Schell spent three seasons at Grand Valley State, including a redshirt year, and one season at Tennessee. He has one season of eligibility remaining.
The 6-foot-4, 265-pounder is from Camden, New Jersey. His best college season was 2024 at Grand Valley State, when he played 13 games and recorded 35 tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks, six pass breakups, three quarterback hurries, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
He was also a pitcher on the Grand Valley State baseball game in the 2023 season.
Adam Sparks is the Tennessee football beat reporter. Email adam.sparks@knoxnews.com. X, formerly known as Twitter@AdamSparks. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.
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The Tennessee Titans’ search for their next head coach is coming into focus, and the initial interview phase is in full swing.
Following the news that Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy would be having a first virtual interview on Thursday, the dates and times for some interviews for other candidates have come out.
Multiple reports on social media indicate that Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo will meet with Mike Borgonzi on Wednesday, followed by Nagy on Thursday. The team will then follow that up by meeting with former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski on Saturday and former Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris on Monday.
Tennessee will also meet with interim head coach Mike McCoy, and is rumored to have interest in former Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.
It’s an ever-changing process in Nashville. Stay up to date with all the coaching search news with us here at Titans Wire, and please sound off with your thoughts.
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