TORONTO — Brandon Pludwinski isn’t a professional athlete. He’s not a millionaire, a movie star or a music sensation. But on Dec. 30, in Powassan, Ont., the 14-year-old will be part of Olympic history.

Brandon Pludwinski, 14, will take the Olympic torch through Powassan, Ont.

Pludwinski, a Grade 9 student at William Lyon Mackenzie Collegiate Institute in North York, will be one of around 12,000 official torchbearers to carry the Olympic torch through the country.

Pludwinski’s role in the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay, sponsored by Coca-Cola and RBC, is the result of about 1-1/2 years of work. The teen entered a competition through Coke’s website, which included daily questions and an essay contest. He’s one of about 6,000 people in Canada who will be representing Coca-Cola in the relay.

“It took, like, a long time,” he said of the competition. “I did a lot of work because I like the Olympics and the basic idea of it. I thought being a part of the Olympics in Canada would be a really cool experience.”

To win this experience, Pludwinski visited the Coke website to answer questions almost every day, since each answer meant an additional entry. He was chosen to move on to the next round, which included an essay on living a healthy lifestyle and helping his community.

“My essay was about how I stay fit with friends and I bond with them and help do community work,” he said.

Several weeks ago, while at school, he finally got a call from Coke.

“My mom had Coca-Cola call the office. I was really excited. I was jumping around, everyone in the office was jumping around. It was a really great feeling,” he said.

For Pludwinski’s mother, Shelly, her son’s role in the Olympics came as a surprise.

“I thought he was crazy. He was driving me crazy… Every day he had to answer a question or write an essay. You don’t find a 14-year-old kid that dedicated to his beliefs,” she said. “I was so excited for him, because you’ve been hearing about it for a year.”

Pludwinski will be carrying the torch through Powassan, Ont., a small town near Nipissing, Ont.

To the 14-year-old, the torch is more than just a flame. It’s a symbol.

“The torch [means] peace and happiness,” he said. “I’m really excited to get the experience to be part of it… I like spreading the message of peace.”

Pludwinski isn’t just a fan of the Olympics, he’s also an athlete. The teen has been ski racing for around five years and is a member of the North York Alpine Racing Club.

“I like to hang out with friends I made on the team. I like racing because of the acceleration and the thrill of it,” he said, adding that ski racing is his favourite sport to watch.

“I just like skiing and the Olympics. I can’t stand watching any other sport.”

Apart from skiing, Pludwinski also volunteers with B’nai Brith and at community events. During the Jewish holidays, he helps hand out gift baskets and has also volunteered at various fun fairs in his area.  

“I do a lot of charity work. It shows initiative,” he said. “It’s not asking for anything in return and giving back to the community.”

Pludwinski’s mother agrees, adding that he’s had “a good Jewish upbringing.”

“That’s very important in our household. To know right from wrong, to give what you can give,” she said.

“He represents what the Olympics is all about… good sportsmanship, being the best you can be. He’s got a lot of spirit, he can represent his community.”