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A tradition like no other: Tennessee man carries Olympic torch in France

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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.”

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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.

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“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.

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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.”

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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.



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Norfolk Southern derailment, fire in Tennessee leads to evacuations

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Norfolk Southern derailment, fire in Tennessee leads to evacuations


LANCING, Tenn. — A Norfolk Southern train including cars carrying ethanol derailed and caught fire in a remote area of Morgan County, Tenn., leading to precautionary evacuations.

The derailment occurred about 3:23 p.m. on Thursday, June 1. WATE-TV reports Morgan County Executive Brian Langley said four or five cars were on fire. There were no injuries, he said.

The National Transportation Safety



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Tennessee Baseball Transfer Commits To SEC School | Rocky Top Insider

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Tennessee Baseball Transfer Commits To SEC School | Rocky Top Insider


Photo via Tennessee Athletics

Tennessee baseball transfer utility man Jay Abernathy committed to Oklahoma on Thursday evening, he announced on Instagram. Despite being a two-seed in the Atlanta Regional, Oklahoma made it to the College World Series this season and begins play Saturday afternoon against Alabama.

Abernathy played in 53 games and started 39 games during his sophomore season, hitting .236 with nine doubles, three homers, one triple and 16 RBIs. He started 27 games as a freshman, hitting .282 with three doubles, one homer and 11 RBIs.

The left-handed utility man was a real threat on the base paths, stealing 17 bases in his two years in Knoxville.

Abernathy is a versatile defender who started 29 games in centerfield and 10 games at second base this past season. He was particularly strong defensively in centerfield, using his speed to track down balls in the gap.

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However, Abernathy’s inconsistent bat keeps it from being a lock that he would have been an everyday starter for the Vols next season.

More From RTI: Brody Trosclair Explains Why Tennessee Baseball Felt Like Home, Impressions Of Austin Knight

The Vols are in need of outfielders entering next season. Centerfielder Garrett Wright is likely MLB Draft bound while Reese Chapman is out of eligibility and Nate Eisfelder also entered the transfer portal.

Abernathy is one of 15 Tennessee players have entered the transfer portal this offseason including first baseman Evan Hankins, right-handed pitcher Nic Abraham, outfielder Nate Eisfelder, shortstop Manny Marin, catcher Cash Williams, infielder Finley Bates, shortstop Ariel Antigua, infielder Ethan Moore, utility man Hunter High, utility man Chris Newstrom, outfielder Hutson Chance and right-handed pitcher Brayden Krenzel, two-way Taylor Tracey and right-handed pitcher Ari Bethea.

A number of Tennessee players have announced intentions to return for next season including RHP Landon Mack, LHP Cam Appenzeller, first baseman Levi Clark, catcher Trent Grindlinger, catcher Stone Lawless and LHP Will Haas.

The Vols have landed two transfer commits to date including Northwestern State left-handed pitcher Brody Trosclair and Mercer two-way Braydon Kersey. Air Force infielder Wyatt Hanoian has also visited Tennessee this offseason.

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Tennessee law requires proof of citizenship for first-time vehicle registration

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Tennessee law requires proof of citizenship for first-time vehicle registration


A new Tennessee law will require first-time vehicle registration applicants to show proof of citizenship or legal immigration status beginning in 2027, a requirement that does not apply to drivers renewing existing registrations.

Tennessee has enacted a new law, Public Chapter 954, that requires people applying for an initial motor vehicle registration to prove they are a U.S. citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or a person whose federal immigration status authorizes their presence in the country for a specific purpose and time period.

The law takes effect Jan. 1, 2027. It applies only to first-time registrations for vehicles that require a license plate.

It does not apply to registration renewals, meaning people who already have a registered vehicle and are simply renewing that registration are not affected.

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The Tennessee Department of Revenue will publish a full list of acceptable documents on its website. However, the law already identifies five specific license types that automatically qualify as proof:

  • A REAL ID-compliant license
  • A standard Tennessee driver’s license
  • A Tennessee temporary driver’s license
  • A Tennessee temporary photo identification license
  • A Tennessee photo identification card

Documents can be presented in paper or electronic format, including images displayed on a cellphone or portable device.

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Click here for more information about the Tennessee vehicle registration law.



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