Mullen High School Alumnus Carries Olympic Torch in Italy

(Photo courtesy of Mullen High School, Denver)

For Catholic school communities across Northern Colorado, moments of quiet formation often bear fruit far beyond anyone's imagination. This winter, one of those moments unfolded thousands of miles from home — on the cobblestone streets of Bergamo, Italy — as Dale O’Blia, a 2024 graduate of Mullen High School in Denver, carried the Olympic torch.

Selected as one of a highly limited number of torchbearers, O'Blia took part in the 63-day Olympic torch relay, a journey spanning roughly 7,500 miles across Italy. The honor is reserved for individuals whose lives reflect perseverance, service and commitment — values familiar to anyone formed in Catholic education.

For the Denver community that watched O'Blia grow, the moment was both extraordinary and deeply fitting.

During his time at Mullen, O'Blia became one of the most accomplished wrestlers in the school’s history, earning four individual Colorado state wrestling championships and helping lead his team to a state title during his senior year.

After graduation, O'Blia chose an uncommon path, dedicating a full year to training and development with an eye toward long-term athletic goals. That commitment earned him a place at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, where he trained through USA Wrestling’s Elite Accelerator Program, a track designed for the nation’s most promising athletes.

At the same time, his academic journey continued. As a Daniels Fund Scholar, he was recognized for embodying the transformative power of education and youth sports. He now competes at the collegiate level while pursuing his studies at Princeton University in New Jersey.

The opportunity to carry the Olympic torch came through the Daniels Fund’s partnership with the Utah Olympic and Paralympic organizing committee. When O'Blia received the call, his answer was immediate.

“Of course,” he said. “Why would I not want to do it?”

Accompanied by his parents, who traveled to Italy for the occasion, O'Blia ran his portion of the relay amid cheering crowds and flashing cameras. The moment was brief, but its meaning was layered — a visible sign of years of unseen work, supported by family, coaches, teachers and a community that believed in him.

For Catholic school families across the Archdiocese of Denver, his story is a reminder that formation matters. The lessons learned in classrooms, gyms and chapels often echo far beyond graduation day.

From Denver to Italy, from state championships to the Olympic torch, Dale O’Blia’s journey continues — carrying with it the pride of a school, a city and a community that helped shape him.