Deniz Dimovski, People and Culture Manager at “Pivara Skopje,” and Ivan Katrandziski, Manager in the Commercial Sector at “Pivara Skopje,” ran with the Olympic torch in Italy as part of Coca-Cola’s global Olympic initiative. Coca-Cola is a partner of the Milano–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.

In a conversation with Fakulteti.mk, Deniz and Ivan shared their unique experience of carrying the Olympic flame ahead of the start of the Winter Olympic Games, which officially begin tomorrow in Cortina, Milan.

“When I found out that I would be carrying the Olympic torch, the feeling was the same as just before a snowboard descent on a steep, untouched slope – adrenaline, focus, and huge excitement. It wasn’t just running with a flame, but a moment that connects sport, people, and passion,” shared Deniz.

As passionate athletes, both spoke about their motivation, preparations, the event itself, and the emotions they experienced while carrying the Olympic torch, which is a dream for many Olympians.

“I got the opportunity through the company Coca-Cola. There was an internal competition to apply for the selection of participants from all over the world. It was a great honor for me to carry the Olympic torch as an individually selected participant. Honestly, when the information arrived, my first thought was that it was some kind of spam email. But when I realized it was real, I was overjoyed and wanted to share it with everyone,” revealed Ivan.

Deniz Dimovski is the People and Culture Manager at “Pivara Skopje,” a passionate snowboarder and a person who believes that the strongest results are achieved when people, sport, and values move in the same direction. He explained how he prepared for this unusual experience and what the entire event looked like.

“Although the run itself is short, everything around it is very seriously organized. There were very clear instructions, constant coordination, and precisely defined procedures. When all of that is set properly, all that’s left is for you to relax, focus, and enjoy the moment. Physically, you carry the torch for a relatively short distance, about 300 meters, and everything depends on how fast you run it. For me, it was even more special because we ran in a group, passing and taking over the torch from one another. Mentally and emotionally, it’s a moment that lasts much longer and stays with you forever,” Dimovski recalled.

Ivan Katrandziski is a Manager in the Commercial Sector at “Pivara Skopje.” He has been active in sports for many years, and today his main focus is running, fitness, and cycling. He strongly believes that with effort, consistency, and support, people can improve every day in any area of life and become the best version of themselves. This belief motivated him to prepare even better for the event by practicing fitness and running every day before work.

“As the day of departure for Italy approached, a large amount of information and guidelines about the entire event started arriving. There is a strong focus on procedure and safety, which is why all protocols need to be well learned and respected. The entire event lasts three to four hours. It begins with arrival at a predefined meeting point – in my case, the sports center in Cagliari. Then all participants are identified, the clothing for carrying the Olympic torch is distributed, and mandatory training is conducted on the process itself – how the Olympic flame is taken over and how it is passed on. When the event begins, a convoy transports the selected participants to their torch-carrying routes, from where they start, and it ends with returning to the convoy and a large ceremony in the city where the torch is carried that day. The Olympic flame is carried for 300 meters, and the actual run lasts about five minutes. Organizers warmly recommend not rushing and to enjoy the moment as much as possible. I must admit, I tried to move as slowly as I could so it wouldn’t end too quickly,” revealed Katrandziski.

Deniz is a person who has been involved in sports his entire life and loves winter sports. This experience brought him back to moments when, as a viewer, he used to wonder: What must it be like to be there?

“While carrying the torch, I thought about the Olympic atmosphere we’ve watched for years, like when we watched Shaun White. The feeling was a mix of excitement, pride, and gratitude, because you realize you are part of every athlete’s dream,” emphasized Deniz.

For Ivan, this was a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience and a great honor.

“A whole spectrum of emotions. We live in very turbulent and unpredictable times, but while you’re there, there is a different kind of energy, including among all the spectators at the event. Positive, happy, and cheerful people. While we were moving with the convoy, thoughts crossed my mind about the entire path that brought me here – my family, friends, and colleagues. Honestly, without all of them this wouldn’t be possible; everyone contributed and supported us to reach this moment and this place. While carrying the torch, you are simply filled with happiness. Everyone is greeting you, you greet them back, plain moments of positive energy and of what we all truly are as human beings,” Ivan recalled.

The experience with the Olympic flame reminded Deniz that great results come from a clear vision, discipline, and teamwork.

“In working with people, this is a constant inspiration – to create an environment where everyone has a role, a sense of belonging, and the opportunity to give their best,” says Deniz.

For Ivan, the Olympic flame was a confirmation of his values on both a personal and professional level.

“With effort and consistency, results will come, as long as we strive to be better every day. But also, never to forget that as a team we are stronger and happier,” he says.

Deniz and Ivan sent a message to everyone who dreams of carrying the Olympic flame.

“The Olympic flame is not only for those who stand on the podium, but for everyone who gets up every day and runs after something they believe in. You don’t have to be the fastest – it’s enough not to stop,” said Deniz.

“Seize every opportunity, every fall is a chance to learn and rise higher, see every life challenge as an opportunity rather than an obstacle, and share every challenge – don’t face it alone; there are always people who will support you,” added Ivan.

Photo: private archive

Interview for  fakulteti.mk