Atlanta Coke employee carries Olympic torch | News

ATLANTA -- Gerry Brown of Cumming is one of 22 people chosen by Coca-Cola to take part in the Olympic torch relay this week.

He's the only Atlanta-based Coke employee on the list, which includes a couple of Olympic medalists, figure skater Michelle Kwan and swimmer Summer Sanders.

"I have started to do a couple of things to make sure my lungs are functioning properly," Brown told 11Alive's Jennifer Leslie during an interview in mid-June. 

Brown wasn't chosen for his athletic skills. Instead, it was his heart that caught the attention of Coke executives.

Brown has done mission work for years and serves on the board of two nonprofits, Experience Missions International and Trash Water International.

"That's how I'm made," he said. "That's who I am. I like to serve. I love people. I love to do things for people."

Brown is a married father of four children who's worked in technology for Coke for 11 years.

He was recently honored at an Atlanta Dream game for being selected to run in the torch relay.

He's hoping his run will inspire others to give back.

"To change the world, it takes all of us," he said. "We all have to get together. We all have to put our time and effort in. That's what I want people to understand about all of this."

Brown carried the torch along Hyde Street in Winchester, England Wednesday morning. You can follow Brown on his blog and watch live video of the torch relay here.

Coca-Cola is a sponsor of the Olympic torch relay and the London 2012 Olympics.