It’s the time of year for unfurling patriotism.
“That’s a core thing that Olympics is about—bringing cultures together peacefully,” said Summerville’s Jim Millns. In this day and age, we need that, and Millns is happy to expertly bear the torch of that conversation.
“Eventually comes up, people ask why I didn’t tell them—don’t walk into a room and say everyone—I’m an Olympic medalist," Millns said.
Almost 50 years ago, the guy who now walks with a slight limp after a knee replacement was gracefully waltzing to Bronze in Innsbruck. Along with his partner, Colleen O’Connor, they were the first Americans to ever medal in Ice Dancing.
“Such an emotional high, the only thing that came equal to it was the birth of my first child, being that moment you first hold them, that emotional. Guys who stand on that podium, all I thought about, "Don't cry, don't cry." It was tough not to.”
The bond of their partnership wasn't enough to beat the Russians that year, but it doesn’t matter for Millns. They made American history. They held on to that history for 30 years.
And they were a perfect pair for that sport. “I thought of my partner like my sister," Millns said. "Did I love her? Absolutely. Did I want to kiss her? Not really. The greatest person, still close today.”
So how does one go from picking up flowers off the ice, to living in Flowertown? “Easiest way is Millie, Camden, Ben: Three grandkids in this area. SC is great, skating is in my blood. I can't stay away from an ice rink no matter what," he said.
Millns said he will be watching the latest crop of athletes in Beijing from the comforts of Berkeley County.