LINCOLN, Neb. (July 6, 2026) — Thirteen years after competing in the Cornhusker State Games as a track and field athlete, Omaha native Taryn Smith is returning to the 42nd State Games in a new role— as the Opening Night torch lighter. Smith will light the ceremonial flame during the Opening Night festivities at 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 9, outside Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Smith, 26, was selected as this year’s torch lighter following a remarkable journey that has inspired people across Nebraska and beyond. In January 2026, she became the first solo American woman to complete the World’s Toughest Row, rowing more than 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean in 46 days. Her voyage began on Dec. 14 2025, in the Canary Islands and concluded on Jan. 29, 2026, in English Harbor, Antigua.
Opening Night is free and open to the public and will be televised and streamed live by News Channel Nebraska. The celebration will recognize several outstanding Nebraskans for their achievements and contributions to sports, including Jordan Larson, Curt Tomasevicz, Jed Ortmeyer, Rebekah Allick, Angee Nott, Kevan Heuftle, Allison Weidner and Emmerson Cope. Jimmy Weber, country recording artist and U.S. Air Force veteran, will also be joining to perform the national anthem.
Long before her Atlantic crossing, Smith was one of hundreds of young athletes who competed in the Cornhusker State Games. She participated in Track & Field in 2013, making her return as torch lighter a full-circle moment that reflects the lifelong impact of sport and opportunities the Games provide for athletes of all ages and abilities.
More than 8,000 athletes are expected to compete in over 70 sports during this year’s Games, held July 9-19 at venues across Nebraska. Registration for select sports has been extended. For more information or to register, visit CornhuskerStateGames.com.
Opening Night is presented by Liberty First Credit Union, Visit Lincoln, J&H Specialty Contracting and Arby’s of Lincoln. The torchlighting is sponsored by Crete Carrier Corp./ Shaffer Trucking. Other contributing partners include News Channel Nebraska, Digital Sky, Complete Weddings and Events, Pinnacle Bank and Hiland Dairy.
The Cornhusker State Games are organized by the Nebraska Sports Council, which also hosts the Lincoln and Omaha Corporate Games, Pumpkin Run, 402 Bash, Nebraska DiamondFest, Nebraska NetFest, Heartland Havoc, Nebraska Showdown and the WellPower Movement.
Platinum partners for the Games include FMNE Insurance, Grand Island Tourism, Nebraska Orthopaedic Center and Pepsi-Cola of Lincoln.