1996 Olympics: Gainesville torch bearers recall 'one of the most exciting times' - Gainesville Times

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1996 Olympics: Gainesville torch bearers recall 'one of the most exciting times'

Jim Mathis Jr., chair of Gainesville Hall '96, lights his torch July 15, 1996, from the caldron lighted earlier in the ceremony on the Gainesville square by Doug Ivester, then president and chief operating officer of Cocoa-Cola. - photo by Jim Cook Jr.

07172021 OLYMPICS 12.jpg — Jim Mathis Jr., chair of Gainesville Hall '96, lights his torch July 15, 1996, from the caldron lighted earlier in the ceremony on the Gainesville square by Doug Ivester, then president and chief operating officer of Cocoa-Cola. - photo by Jim Cook Jr.

Staring into the crowds of people while holding his lit torch high on July 15, 1996, Jim Mathis Jr. said he couldn’t help but tear up.