Nov 22, 2009 - 04:30 AM

By Kristen Calis

PICKERING -- It won't be too tough for Jenny Smith to run 300 metres with the Olympic torch in December.

After all, the Pickering resident won the opportunity to do so based on her essay on how she lives an active lifestyle and encourages other to do the same.

Jenny, 15, a Grade 10 student at Pine Ridge Secondary School, entered a challenge on iCoke.ca for an opportunity to be a part of the Olympic Torch Relay and pass the flame that will make its way to the 2010 Olympic games in Vancouver. She'll carry it for 300 metres in Orono on Wednesday, Dec. 16.

Jenny explained she likes to downhill ski, run cross country, mountain bike, and play and referee soccer. She has her blue belt in karate and is quickly moving toward her brown. She's also hoping to get a job teaching kids how to downhill ski this winter. When she runs in a cross-country race, it's usually for about four kilometres.

"It's fun," she said. "It's something to do, something different."

But there's another reason she likes to play sports, she said.

"I can be competitive sometimes," she said. "That might be why."

Jenny's cross-country coach at Pine Ridge learned of Jenny's achievement by chance while the student was being photographed by the News Advertiser in a local park.

"She's certainly a good candidate for it," Joslynn Dicks said. "She's definitely a team player."

Ms. Dicks added Jenny often motivates others on the cross-country team.

Jenny's mother, Judith Smith, said sports have always come natural to Jenny.

"I'm just really excited for her and proud of her," she said.

When asked if the family was planning on attending Jenny's run with the torch, the answer was simple.

"Are you kidding?" she said. "I wouldn't miss it for the world."

In fact, the Smiths have already taken a drive to Orono to scope out the route.

Jenny's looking forward to watching the Olympic Games, especially hockey.

Residents can catch the relay through Pickering on the morning of Tuesday, Dec. 17.

For details on the exact time and location the flame will come to Pickering, contact City Hall in December.

VISIT: www.cityofpickering.com