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.

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