A Torch Kiss in La Spezia: Carrying the (Olympic) Flame for His Home
By Office of the President | Jan 20, 2026
On January 9, 2026, Riccardo Bianchi, Ph.D., Associate Dean for the Foundations of Medicine in the College of Medicine and Associate
Professor of Physiology and Pharmacology, returned to his hometown of La Spezia, Italy,
as one of 10,001 Olympic Torch Bearers for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic
Games.
When Dr. Bianchi stepped onto the Olympic Torch Relay route in La Spezia, he returned not only as a runner, but as a son of the city, a neuroscientist, a leader in medical education, and a lifelong ambassador for health, discipline, and community.
Dr. Bianchi, who serves as Associate Dean for the Foundations of Medicine, was selected as one of 10,001 Olympic Torch Bearers, a significant number chosen to represent the entire country on a 12,000-kilometer, 63-day journey through all 110 provinces, and passing the more than 60 UNESCO World Heritage sites for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
Chosen from more than 1.5 million applicants worldwide, torchbearers represent the Olympic ideals of passion, excellence, and respect, values that Dr. Bianchi lives by professionally and personally. The flame was lit in Rome on December 6, 2025, and will arrive in Milan for the Opening Ceremony on February 6, 2026.
The moment was significantly moving for Dr. Bianchi, as he ran approximately 200 to 300 meters through La Spezia, his childhood home. Family, friends, neighbors, and schoolchildren lined the streets, cheering each torchbearer as they passed. The ceremonial transfer of the flame, known as a “Torch Kiss,” lasts only seconds and symbolizes the passing of values across generations. “Torch Kiss” is the official term for when one torchbearer passes the flame to the next by bringing their torches together, allowing the flame to transfer, symbolizing continuity in the relay.
Running has been a defining discipline in Dr. Bianchi’s life. As a member of the New York Road Runners for 35 years, he has completed 25 marathons, including 22 New York City Marathons and three Boston Marathons. He has participated in over 200 competitive races. After completing 15 consecutive New York City Marathons, his registration in the annual event became automatic, an achievement earned through consistency and commitment.
He completed his third Boston Marathon last year, finishing with an impressive time of 3:33:36. His time at the New York City Marathon last November was 3:21:22, a testament to his sustained excellence and preparation. His training continues year-round, with 30 to 45 miles of running each week, often averaging 40 miles. He views endurance training as a physical and mental discipline that builds resilience, supports stress management, and reinforces the ability to perform under pressure.
The Olympic Torch Dr. Bianchi carried reflects the modern values he champions. Designed with sustainability in mind, the torch weighs approximately 1.6 kilograms. It uses an efficient gas cartridge intended to minimize environmental impact. Dr. Bianchi views himself as an ambassador, one who extends beyond banners and ceremonies to serve as a reminder to recognize the good in the world and affirm that unity and shared purpose remain essential.
As the Olympic Flame continues its journey across Italy, Dr. Bianchi’s run through La Spezia stands as a powerful convergence of past and present. Dr. Bianchi is also passionate about supporting student research and academic excellence; he was acknowledged last year for his service on the College of Medicine Alumni Association Full-Year Research Scholarship selection committee.
Since joining Downstate in 1991, Dr. Bianchi has consistently promoted physical activity as a cornerstone of wellness, health maintenance, and disease prevention. His lectures on Exercise, Health, and Disease underscore the importance of movement as a clinical and public health imperative, particularly for future physicians navigating increasingly complex healthcare environments.
Thank you, Dr. Bianchi, for the values of endurance, integrity, and shared purpose you carried along with the flame. They remain firmly rooted in the community we call home and in the students whose lives you continue to impact.
Tags: College of Medicine, Pharmacology