Remembering 40 of San Antonio Sports’ most memorable moments began with the lighting of the Olympic torch in Colorado Springs in 1993. When it was brought to San Antonio shortly after, it did not mark the last time the torch would grace the city’s streets. The 2002 Winter Olympic torch relay began on December 4, 2001 in Atlanta, Georgia, and made its way to the host city of Salt Lake City, Utah over two months through more than 20 states. During its tour of the South, the torch touched down in the streets of San Antonio.
On December 11, 2001, the Olympic Torch Relay Train left Houston and arrived in San Antonio. The torch was carried through downtown streets, neighborhoods, along the River Walk and in front of the Alamo. David Robinson, who would lead the San Antonio Spurs to their second title two years later, was the most notable of the torch bearers. Among the dozens of other San Antonians who participated in the relay were San Antonio Sports Hall of Famer Rose Monday and UTSA President Ricardo Romo.
The next day, the torch left San Antonio, again by train, to Austin, where it resumed its journey to Salt Lake City. With the upcoming 2002 NCAA Women’s Final Four, another NCAA Men’s Final Four set for 2004 and now the Olympic torch making a stop in San Antonio, it was clear that the Alamo City was being thought of time and time again when there was a need for a city with a sports reputation.