Alumni Spotlight: Dale O’Blia ’24 Carries the Olympic Torch in Italy
From state championships in Colorado to the historic streets of northern Italy, Dale O’Blia continues to build a legacy defined by discipline, leadership, and ambition.
A Class of 2024 graduate of Mullen High School, Dale was recently honored with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: carrying the Olympic torch through Bergamo, northeast of Milan, as part of the Olympic torch relay. The moment named him one of the highly selective torchbearers for the 63-day journey spanning roughly 7,500 miles, an honor reserved for individuals whose stories reflect the values of sport, service, and perseverance.
A Champion on and off the Mat
During his time at Mullen, Dale established himself as one of the most accomplished wrestlers in school history. He captured four individual Colorado state championships and capped his senior season by leading his team to a state championship, exemplifying both elite performance and selfless leadership.
After graduation, Dale took a year to focus exclusively on training, pursuing long-term goals, including Olympic qualification. His dedication earned him an invitation to train at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, where he participated in USA Wrestling’s Elite Accelerator Program—a pathway reserved for the nation’s most promising athletes.
Dale’s excellence extends well beyond athletics. A recipient of the prestigious Daniels Fund Scholarship, he was recognized for embodying the life-changing impact of youth sports and education. That same drive and academic focus helped him gain admission to Princeton University, where he now competes at the collegiate level while pursuing his studies.
The Daniels Fund, working in partnership with the Utah Olympic and Paralympic organizing committee, selected Dale as an “easy choice” to represent their mission on the world stage. When the call came offering him a spot in the torch relay, his answer was immediate. “Of course,” Dale said. “Why would I not want to do it?”
As thousands of spectators packed the streets of Bergamo, Dale ran his leg of the relay amid cheers, cameras, and emotion. Joined by his parents, who traveled to Italy to witness the moment, the experience was brief in distance but profound in meaning.
Wrestling at Mullen and beyond, Dale says, has shaped who he is becoming, instilling discipline, independence, and resilience. Carrying the Olympic torch symbolized more than personal achievement; it reflected years of hard work, the support of family and mentors, and the belief that dedication opens doors far beyond what once seemed possible.
From Mullen High School to Princeton, from state titles to the Olympic torch, Dale O’Blia’s journey is still unfolding. His story stands as a powerful example for current students and fellow alumni: excellence is built daily, leadership matters, and bold goals are worth chasing: on the mat, in the classroom, and on the world stage.
We are proud to celebrate Dale O’Blia ’24 and look forward to what comes next.
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