Torch bearer doing it for kids

At 18, Chris Beattie had plans of becoming a college football player and eventually a coach.

But his life was changed in an instant when he lost his right leg below his knee in a motorcycle accident his senior year at Carson High School.

"I thought it was the end of my life," Beattie said. "It was the end of my life as I knew it."

Coming to the realization that his goals were no longer attainable was a "bummer," but Beatti, 41, woke up one day and realized he "wasn't worse off, and I got on with my life."

Since then, he's charged into life, dealing with a handicap that "hasn't slowed me down." He learned how to ski with one leg and once qualified for the Paraolympics in the shot put. He didn't go, however, because "I have to work for a living." He is a past president of the Warren Engine Company, and remains active in multiple sports.

Monday, Beattie, a Carson City resident since 1971, will carry the Olympic torch as it makes its way through the capital city. He was nominated by a former boss for the honor.

"To be chosen, I must have inspired somebody," Beattie said. "At first, I thought, 'There are people more deserving of this than I am.' Then I thought how many kids can go to school and say, 'My dad ran with the Olympic torch.' So I decided to do it."

Beattie and his wife, Tammy, are the parents of Meghan, 19, and Conner, 8.

Beattie, who works for Hanger Prosthetics and Orthotics, said he plans on purchasing his torch as a memento.

"The Olympics are the peak of athletic endeavor" Beattie said. "It is the top, so to have any connection to it is an honor."