On Jan. 12, 2002, Severo Quiroga will take his place in history. As Artesia’s first Olympic torchbearer, Quiroga will carry the torch and its message of hope and unity two–tenths of a mile closer to its final destination in Salt Lake City, Utah.

More than 210,000 people from around the nation entered for a chance to carry the three–pound, 33–inch Winter Games torch across a portion of its 65–day, 13,500–mile journey from Atlanta, Ga., to Salt Lake City. Only 11,500 were selected; their criteria: being an inspiration to someone, somewhere.

"It’s a great honor to be nominated," says Quiroga. "I know I was certainly floored by the whole thing."

Quiroga was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. He graduated from Douglas MacArthur High School in 1970 and attended San Antonio College for two years.

He has been employed with the U.S. Border Patrol for approximately 23 years and is currently a supervisory border patrol agent with the Border Patrol Academy Advanced Training Branch at FLETC. He also serves as a physical techniques instructor, course developer, and class coordinator for experienced journeymen, senior patrol agents, and supervisory Border Patrol agents.

He and his wife, Kathryn, a bilingual education teacher at Central Elementary, have two children. Jerry is a junior at AHS, a member of the National Honor Society, and active in varsity swimming, cross country and track. Francesca is a seventh grader at Zia Intermediate, an avid swimmer, and a promising runner.

Quiroga is known for his dedication to helping anyone with physical or learning disabilities. He has coordinated and participates in the local fund–raising chapter of the Special Olympics Torch Run, assists Special Olympians with flexibility and exercise clinics, has assisted in the state Special Olympics in Albuquerque, and is a member of the Board of Directors for the Door of Opportunity.

In addition, Quiroga assists AHS with fund–raising and instruction for the cross country and long distance running teams, coordinates fitness and exercise clinics for elementary school children, and coordinated and co–developed the U.S. Border Patrol Physical Training (PT) Workshop.

"I try to help people become physically fit and recognize how precious life is," says Quiroga. "I try to encourage people to stay fit and healthy so they’ll be able to live this beautiful life that we’ve been given."

Quiroga himself has won silver medals in the International Police Olympics and the Texas World Police Games.

His commitment to physical education and activity would make him an obvious candidate for running the torch, but it was a severe adversity he overcame in order to continue this commitment that solidified his selection as a torchbearer.

In April of 1982, a few weeks before his 30th birthday, Quiroga was driving his motorcycle to his Border Patrol Duty Station in Deming when he was struck almost head on by an automobile attempting an illegal U–turn. He sustained near fatal multiple injuries to his pelvis, head, left arm, right leg, bladder and kidneys. He was transported by helicopter to an advanced trauma center in El Paso, where he underwent reconstructive surgery due to facial injuries.

Many long months of recovery followed, but through it all, Quiroga remained determined to regain his former status of physical fitness, which doctors credited with saving his life.

"I attribute my survival to God’s help and the doctors’ help, and to the prayers of family and friends," Quiroga says. Quiroga cites the inspirational story of cyclist Lance Armstrong, a well–known cancer survivor who carried the torch through his hometown of Austin, Texas, last week, as a perfect illustration of what many of the torch bearers have in common – overcoming the odds.

"You deal with pain and you go on," says Quiroga, "but you never lose your will to survive."

According to a Salt Lake City press release, torchbearer candidates were nominated with a 50 – 100 word essay by family members or friends explaining how the nominee "embodied the Olympic spirit and inspired an individual or community."

Quiroga was nominated by friend, co–worker and supervisor Douglas E. Rodney, assistant chief with the U.S. Border Patrol.

"He’s always been quite involved in the Special Olympics torch run," said Rodney of his decision to nominate Quiroga. "He’s also been our PT instructor since 1992 and has always shined in that area, so he was certainly capable of doing this and, I thought, well deserving."

With our nation currently striving to overcome the effects of war, Quiroga will be participating in one of the most significant and poignant torch relays in years.

"We believe the Olympic Torch Relay has a deeper sense of meaning after the events of Sept. 11," said Mitt Romney, Salt Lake Organizing Committee president and CEO. "As the Olympic Flame journeys throughout America, our intention is that it will serve as a catalyst, motivating individuals to strive for excellence and achievement in their lives, effecting positive change in their own communities and ultimately the world."

"It’s especially important now to show our unity in America," Quiroga agrees. "And to show we are a strong people."

The Olympic Flame, long a symbol of unity between nations, will be lit during a ceremony in Olympia, Greece, before traveling to its last location on American soil, Atlanta, and beginning its 46–state journey on Dec. 4.

"I dedicate my participation in the Olympic Torch Relay to my wife, Kathryn, my son, Jerry, my daughter, Francesca, my mother, Carmen Quiroga, to the memory of my father, Julian, and brother, Jerry, my U.S. Border Patrol family for a great career, and to the Special Olympians who train just as hard," said Quiroga.

When asked for his definition of a hero, Quiroga said "An ordinary person who, when confronted with a situation, overcomes a fear of not succeeding and acts because they have to."

On Jan. 12, Artesia will send a hero to carry the world’s most symbolic flame.