Olympic flame returns to first American host city

A century after becoming the first American city to host the modern-era Olympic games, St. Louis once again held the flame.

"The eyes of the world are on St. Louis today," Mayor Francis Slay said Thursday to the crowd that gathered in the shadow of the towering Gateway Arch on the flame's second leg of a four-city U.S. tour.

Moments later, a flamekeeper fired up the torch held by actor-comedian Joe Torry, who circled proudly for all to see and trotted off, launching the torch's 34-mile tour of the city.

St. Louis' celebration culminated in Forest Park, where Olympic gold medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee of nearby East St. Louis, Ill., ran down a hill to light the Olympic cauldron Thursday night. She raised the torch in both hands above her head and lit the cauldron, which was on a stage.

"This is the greatest. This is the ultimate compliment, and I am very grateful and very blessed," Joyner-Kersee said.

The flame arrived in St. Louis after kicking off its U.S. tour in Los Angeles.

St. Louis offered up a huge welcome, with two troupes of traditional Greek dancers performing before Torry departed. Some of the women had flowing white gowns, their hair adorned with olive wreaths.

Gymnastics stars Nadia Comaneci and Bart Conner were introduced to the throng, braving the heat, and off Torry went, eventually bound for the sprawling green of the city's Forest Park. Bonnie Blair, who won five gold medals in speedskating, also participated.

"This is very cool," Blair said, a bit breathless in the heat. "This is a little warmer than the Winter Olympics."

The route also includes a pass by Washington University's Francis Field, rededicated Wednesday as the site of the track-and-field events of the sweltering 1904 Games.

•	Olympic flame returns to first American host city Second leg of relay travels through St. Louis ESPN, Thursday, June 17, 2004 Byline: Associated Press

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