After being lit on November 26 in Olympia, Greece, the Olympic flame is now officially on its way to Olympic cauldrons in Milan and Cortina. But who are the people carrying the torches? Why do we make such a big deal out of torchbearers anyway? Also, how did the dudes from Heated Rivalry end up carrying the flame? Well, that’s a little complicated. Traditionally, the organizers for an Olympic host city choose each Games’ torchbearers. Sometimes they are selected for their athletic achievements, sometimes for their celebrity. (Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams from the gay hockey show likely fall into the latter category.) You can also just apply to be a torchbearer, and citizens who have distinguished themselves through commitment, solidarity, or significant work are often selected. Prior to each Games, the flame is lit in the historic city of Olympia, Greece, and taken along a route that passes through different cities, communities, and territories on its way to the host country. Each torchbearer walks a short distance along that route, contributing to a long …