Utahn Carries Russia's Sign
Opening ceremonies at the Olympics were full of some special moments for a lot of people.
Including one Utahn who had a chance to walk with the athletes.
News Specialist Shelley Osterloh has their stories.
A nice moment in the Olympic spotlight for a man with Utah roots.
Stuart Merrill grew up in Salt Lake and went to Brighton High.
He's the grandson of Russian immigrants.
That's why Merrill, who now lives in New York, jumped at the chance to carry Russia's sign as the athletes marched in during the Opening Ceremonies.
Stuart Merrill/Olympic Volunteer: "MOST OF MY GRANDPARENT'S FAMILY WAS KILLED DURING THE STALINIST PURGE. WE WERE NEVER ABLE TO FIND ANY OF MY FAMILY MEMBERS IN RUSSIA, WHEN I LIVED THERE A COUPLE OF YEARS AFTER COLLEGE. SO IT WAS KIND OF A FUN PERSONAL, EMOTIONAL VICTORY FOR ME TO CARRY THE SIGN FOR RUSSIA."
Stuart Merrill/Olympic Volunteer: "JUST HAD THE TIME OF MY LIFE. I REALLY ENJOYED IT. IT WAS SUCH A THRILL WHEN WE WALKED OUT."
A friend of Merrill's was the choreographer for the Opening Ceremonies and he offered Merrill, who speaks Russian, the chance to carry Russia's placard.
