OLYMPICS 2012
Held from Olympic Games 27 July - 12 August.
Edinburgh's Olympic Rings have been launched on The Mound, while the
largest set of Rings so far are being installed on the Tyne Bridge in
Newcastle and Gateshead.
Giant sets of Olympic Rings are being installed at iconic sites across the United Kingdom to excite and inspire people ahead of the Games and to demonstrate that we are ready to welcome the world.
Edinburgh's Olympic Rings
Measuring 18 metres by 8 metres, Edinburgh's aluminium Rings are coloured blue, yellow, black, green and red to represent the union of the five continents and the meeting of athletes from throughout the world at the Olympic Games.
They have been installed in time for the city’s celebrations when the Olympic Torch Relay visits this week and will be officially launched at a special event taking place at the National Gallery.
Karen Woodrow, 44, from Renfrew, will carry the Flame in Hampden Park. Ranked as one of the greatest football stadia in the world, Hampden Park will host eight games in the Olympic Football tournament. Karen was nominated by her colleagues to be a Torchbearer in recognition of her hard work and great spirit.
Towards the end of the day the Flame will be carried to the front of Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in a lantern by trials cyclist Daniel MacAskill, 26, from Glasgow.
The evening celebration will take place in George Square, Glasgow. The line-up includes music from Eliza Doolittle, Emeli Sande and General Fiasco. The show will start at 4pm.
The Flame is being carried through the following communities on Day 21: Stranraer, Cairnryan, Ballantrae, Girvan, Turnberry, Maidens, Kirkoswald, Maybole, Alloway, Ayr, Kilmarnock, Kilmaurs, Stewarton, Dunlop, Barrmill, Beith, Lochwinnoch, Kilmalcolm, Port Glasgow, Rutherglen, Giffnock and Glasgow.
Torchbearer Dominick Cunningham carries the Olympic Flame on the Heights
of Abraham cable car during the Torch Relay leg through Matlock.
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Giant sets of Olympic Rings are being installed at iconic sites across the United Kingdom to excite and inspire people ahead of the Games and to demonstrate that we are ready to welcome the world.
Edinburgh's Olympic Rings
Measuring 18 metres by 8 metres, Edinburgh's aluminium Rings are coloured blue, yellow, black, green and red to represent the union of the five continents and the meeting of athletes from throughout the world at the Olympic Games.
They have been installed in time for the city’s celebrations when the Olympic Torch Relay visits this week and will be officially launched at a special event taking place at the National Gallery.
The Flame begins its journey across Scotland :
A total of 128 Torchbearers will carry the Flame through 22 Scottish communities beginning with Ross Mcclelland, 21, from Ayr. Ross serves in the British Army and dreams of becoming a long-distance runner and competing in the Olympics. He will start with the Flame in Castle Square, Stranraer.Karen Woodrow, 44, from Renfrew, will carry the Flame in Hampden Park. Ranked as one of the greatest football stadia in the world, Hampden Park will host eight games in the Olympic Football tournament. Karen was nominated by her colleagues to be a Torchbearer in recognition of her hard work and great spirit.
Towards the end of the day the Flame will be carried to the front of Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in a lantern by trials cyclist Daniel MacAskill, 26, from Glasgow.
The evening celebration will take place in George Square, Glasgow. The line-up includes music from Eliza Doolittle, Emeli Sande and General Fiasco. The show will start at 4pm.
The Flame is being carried through the following communities on Day 21: Stranraer, Cairnryan, Ballantrae, Girvan, Turnberry, Maidens, Kirkoswald, Maybole, Alloway, Ayr, Kilmarnock, Kilmaurs, Stewarton, Dunlop, Barrmill, Beith, Lochwinnoch, Kilmalcolm, Port Glasgow, Rutherglen, Giffnock and Glasgow.
Protecting the Flame – whatever the weather
As
the Olympic Torch Relay reaches the halfway stage, Producer Deborah
Hale provides an insider's view of life on the road. Here she describes
the work of the Torch Security Team, responsible for protecting the
Flame as it travels around the UK.
Exactly halfway through the 70-day Torch Relay, the weather changed dramatically.
The sunshine that has followed the Torch pretty much everywhere it has travelled suddenly hid from us, and was replaced by storm clouds and high winds up to 40 miles an hour.
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Team GB's deputy Chef de Mission Clive Woodward will kick off the day by
carrying the Flame at The Roundhouse in Camden. Clive also managed the
England rugby team to victory in the 2003 World Cup.
Highlights include a visit to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home,
where former England footballer and animal lover Michael Owen will carry
the Flame. Michael will help celebrate the dedication of the staff and
volunteers who have rescued, reunited and rehomed over 3.1 million dogs
and cats since the centre was established in 1860.
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The 76-mile route will take in scenic locations along the Jurassic
Coast, including Portland Bill, the natural rock arch Durdle Door and
the vast shingle expanse of Chesil Beach.
On Tuesday 3 July, the Flame travels through 12 communities on its journey from Leicester to Peterborough.
The Flame will start its journey at Coventry Cathedral, and later in
the day will be taken on a canal boat at Foxton Locks by Torchbearer
David Willson from Hollowell.
David spends his time volunteering and serving others and is hoping to encourage hundreds of families around the London area to host 1000 Olympic and Paralympic Family members in their homes for free during the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
These families would not otherwise be able to afford to come to the Games and see their relatives compete.
The sunshine that has followed the Torch pretty much everywhere it has travelled suddenly hid from us, and was replaced by storm clouds and high winds up to 40 miles an hour.
Olympic Village welcomes first guests:
Olympic Village
London 2012 open the doors to London’s largest ever ‘pop-up’ shop:
Five-time gold medal-winning Olympian Steve Redgrave has today opened the UK’s latest official London 2012 Shop.
Sir Steve Redgrave opened the Hyde Park store with LOCOG Head of
Licencing Simon Lilley, Royal Parks Chief Executive Linda Lennon CBE.
London 2012 pop-up shop opens in Hyde Park at 12,000 square feet, the store will be London’s largest ever ‘pop-up’ shop.
The single-story temporary store is located on Rotten Row in the south of Hyde Park and is expected to attract thousands of visitors a day.
The shop is the only location outside the Olympic Park
where fans can buy London 2012 Official Olympic Venue Collection
merchandise; Coca-Cola Olympic merchandise including highly coveted
Coca-Cola Olympic and Paralympic Games pin badges; one-of-a-kind signed
memorabilia and a collection of gift ware produced by The Royal Parks.
Later
this month, customers will get the chance to have their photo taken
with the Olympic Torch in the Coca-Cola Official Pin Trading Center and
create a personalized pin badge. There will also be special athlete
visits throughout the Games.
Final preparations underway as first fully ‘dressed’ London 2012 venue unveiled:
With
just two weeks to go until the Olympic Opening Ceremony, London 2012
has revealed the ‘Look of the Games’ at the Water Polo Arena on the
Olympic Park.
Water Polo Arena New images released today show how the venue will look during the Games.
The London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) will dress 32 sporting
venues and 61 non-competition venues across the UK, with a specific
design system and colour scheme for each venue.
Vibrant colours have been selected to complement the venues and sport – including purple for the Olympic Stadium blues for water-based sports and oranges and magenta for indoor and contact sports, such as Weightlifting and Boxing.
Vibrant colours have been selected to complement the venues and sport – including purple for the Olympic Stadium blues for water-based sports and oranges and magenta for indoor and contact sports, such as Weightlifting and Boxing.
LOCOG Director of Brand, Marketing & Culture Greg Nugent said: 'Over
the last few years we have worked really hard to make sure that we
dress up, as a nation, and celebrate the Games.
Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes stepped off a plane carrying
the flag, accompanied by Carlos Arthur Nuzman, president of the 2016
Games Organising Committee and Rio Governor Sergio Cabral, an AFP
correspondent at the airport saw.
Olympic flag arrives in Rio, host of 2016 Games:
The Olympic flag arrived in Rio de
Janeiro, which will host the 2016 Summer Games – a challenge which
authorities in Brazil say the city is prepared to conquer.
27.07.12
Olympic Flame takes to the Thames for its journey to the Opening Ceremony:
After
69 days travelling the length and breadth of the UK, today the Flame
embarks on its final journey towards the Olympic Stadium for tonight's
Opening Ceremony.
The cauldron for the Olympic Flame on the Royal rowbarge Gloriana as it makes it way down the River Thames towards Tower Bridge on its final day.
Four-time Olympic Rowing gold medallist Sir Matthew Pinsent stands in front of the Great Gate at Hampton Court Palace, holding the Olympic Flame during the final day of the Olympic Torch Relay.
Sir Matthew Pinsent lights the cauldron with the Olympic Flame on the Royal rowbarge Gloriana as it makes it way down the River Thames towards Tower Bridge.
Starting from Hampton Court Palace, Olympic Rowing gold medallist
Matthew Pinsent will carry the Flame on to the Royal rowbarge, the
Gloriana, named by Her Majesty as part of her Diamond Jubilee
celebrations.
The rowbarge will be rowed down the Thames to Tower
Bridge by 16 oarsmen and women including Olympic Rowers James Cracknell
and Jonny Searle.
Once on board, Pinsent will light a ceremonial
cauldron, which will be used to light the Torches of seven young
Torchbearers, in turn, who will carry the Flame as it travels down the
river.
Day 69: 26.07.12
Olympic Flame to visit St Paul's Cathedral and Buckingham Palace:
On
Thursday 26 July, the penultimate day of the Torch Relay, the
Olympic Flame will travel through the heart of London from Camden to
Westminster.
On the penultimate day of the Olympic Torch Relay Anthony Page holds the
Flame in front of one of London’s most popular
landmark’s, Big Ben, as it travels through the city of
Westminster.
On the penultimate day of the London 2012 Torch Relay,the Flame paid a visit to St Pancras International Railway Station where the first set of giant Olympic Rings were installed.
Wheelchair Basketball player, Ade Adepitan, carries the Olympic Flame on Millennium Bridge
The Olympic Flame visits Shakespeare's Globe Theatre on its penultimate day of the Olympic Torch Relay.
Team GB's deputy Chef de Mission Clive Woodward will kick off the day by
carrying the Flame at The Roundhouse in Camden. Clive also managed the
England rugby team to victory in the 2003 World Cup.
Later the Flame will be carried down Regent’s Canal on a canal boat by
16-year-old Paris Walker from Bethnal Green, who will hand it over to
Luke Corduner at St Pancras International station. Luke was selected for
his work coaching sport to young people who have been expelled and
young offenders.
Day 68: 25.07.12
Olympic Flame to visit Wembley Stadium and Alexandra Palace:
On Day 68 the Olympic Flame will travel 30.48 miles from Harrow to Haringey, and be carried by 153 Torchbearers.
Former World Cup winning footballer Gordon Banks carries the Olympic Flame down Wembley Way
The Duchess of Cornwall and the Prince of Wales with Torchbearers Jay Kamiraz and Scott Moorhouse as they carry the Olympic Flame on its journey between Enfield and Haringey.
Former Olympian Badminton player Nathan Robertson carries the Olympic Flame in front of Wembley Arena
Boris Johnson meets Harry Potter star Rupert Grint as he carries the Olympic Flame at Middlesex University, London
The Flame will begin the day’s journey at Headstone Manor, Harrow,
carried by borough resident Jo Hyams, 29. Jo was nominated for her
extensive charity work, organising and participating in a huge number of
events.
On its journey to Haringey, the Flame will pay a visit
to Wembley Arena, venue for the London 2012 Badminton competition, where
it will be carried by Nathan Robertson – a silver medallist in the
Badminton Mixed Doubles at Athens 2004. The Flame will also visit nearby
Wembley Stadium, venue for the London 2012 Football competition, where
it will be carried by Gordon Banks, one of England’s greatest ever
goalkeepers and a 1966 World Cup winner.
Day 67: 24.07.12
Olympic Flame to travel on the London Underground and visit Kew Gardens:
As
the Torch Relay continues its way around London, today it will cover
42.97 miles, carried by 144 Torchbearers as it travels from Kingston
upon Thames to Ealing.
Torchbearer John Light carries the Olympic Flame onto a London Underground train at Wimbledon station.
Former Tennis player Boris Becker carries the Olympic Flame on the Torch Relay leg through Ealing
Oliver Golding holds the Olympic Flame in between the Olympic Rings at Kew Gardens
Former Olympic rower James Cracknell carries the Olympic Flame through Kingston Upon Thames
Torchbearer Thomas Thacker lights the cauldron in Walpole Park at the end of Day 67.
The first Torchbearer of the day is Olympic gold medallist James
Cracknell who will start from the Hook Community Centre in Kingston.
The
Olympic Flame will also be carried by London Underground Service
Operator John Light in a train adorned with the Olympic Rings,
travelling from Wimbledon to Wimbledon Park.
In the London Borough of Richmond John Harding from Twickenham will carry the Flame into Kew Gardens past the Palm House.
Day 66: 23.07.12
Olympic Flame to visit Battersea Dogs & Cats Home and Wimbledon:
On
Day 66 of the Olympic Torch Relay, the Flame will be carried by 187
Torchbearers as it travels 37 miles from Lewisham to Wandsworth.
Britain's Andy Murray holds the Olympic Flame on Centre Court at Wimbledon
English footballer and dog lover Michael Owen carries the Olympic Flame at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home
Olympic gold medallist Marlon Devonish carries the Olympic Flame at Crystal Palace stadium on the Torch Relay between Bromley and Croydon.
Highlights include a visit to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home,
where former England footballer and animal lover Michael Owen will carry
the Flame. Michael will help celebrate the dedication of the staff and
volunteers who have rescued, reunited and rehomed over 3.1 million dogs
and cats since the centre was established in 1860.
Day 65: 22.07.12
Olympic Flame visits London Eye as it travels from Redbridge to Bexley:
The
Olympic Flame spends its second full day in the capital on Sunday 22
July, being carried by 163 Torchbearers as it makes its 32.37
mile journey from Redbridge to Bexley.
Torchbearer Ashley Banjo carries the Olympic Flame with members of the dance troupe Diversity, on the Torch Relay leg through Barking and Dagenham (London Borough).
Amelia Hempleman-Adams, the youngest person ever to ski to the North Pole, poses with the Olympic Flame on top of a London Eye pod on the Torch Relay through London.
Torchbearer Paul Freedman MBE carries the Olympic Flame whilst riding the miniature railway in Barking Park on the Torch Relay journey between Redbridge and Barking and Dagenham.
Before the Relay gets underway, the Flame will pay a visit to the EDF
Energy London Eye where Amelia Hempleman-Adams, who at the age of 16
became the youngest person to ski to the South Pole, will hold it on top
of a capsule on the London Eye.
The Relay will then begin from
Redbridge Cycling Centre, carried by Luke Benjafield, 20 from South
woodford, nominated for his dedication to the Air Training Corps 241
squadron.
Day 64: 21.07.12
Flame to be carried to top of North Greenwich Arena on first full day in London:
On
Saturday 21 July, the Relay will start in Greenwich Park at 7.22am and
finish in Waltham Forest at 7.30pm. The Relay will travel 36.35 miles
and 143 Torchbearers will carry the Flame.
Fabrice Muamba lights the cauldron
Former basketball player John Amaechi and gymnast Nadia Comaneci exchange the Olympic Flame on the viewing platform of North Greenwich Arena
Chester Chambers, 12, the youngest Londoner carries the Olympic Flame through the Royal Borough of Greenwich
After starting the day in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, the Flame
will travel through the London Boroughs of Newham, Tower Hamlets,
Hackney and Waltham Forest.
On its journey the Flame will visit
two London 2012 venues: Greenwich Park, venue for the Equestrian
competition, and North Greenwich Arena, where it will be carried onto
the roof by former gymnast Nadia Comaneci, who won nine Olympic gold
medals in the 1976 and 1980 Games. At the top of North Greenwich Arena,
Nadia will hand the Flame over to former basketball player John Amaechi.
Day 63: 20.07.12
The Flame visits Brands Hatch as it travels to Guildford:
On
Day 63 of the Olympic Torch Relay, 140 Torchbearers will carry the
Flame as it travels 105.24 miles from Maidstone to Guildford.
Torchbearer David Boyle carries the Olympic Flame on a boat rowed by members of the Maidstone Rowing Club.
Torchbearer Christopher Bury holds the Olympic Flame at Mote Park in Maidstone at the beginning
Torchbearer Craig Preece rides the Olympic Flame around the race track of Brands Hatch on his mountain bike
On its journey, the Flame will be carried around the track at Brands
Hatch, Sevenoaks. The internationally-renowned motor racing circuit is
the venue for the London 2012 Paralympic Road Cycling events.
Torchbearer
highlights include David Boyle carrying the Flame in a rowing boat at
Maidstone Rowing Club. David has been a member of the Salvation Army for
many years and he also helps people in his community with personal
counselling, assisting the lonely and aged and helping the jobless seek
employment. David has also been a hospital radio presenter for several
years.
Day 62: 19.07.12
Flame to visit Canterbury Cathedral and Turner Gallery on journey to Maidstone:
On
day 62 of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay, the Flame will travel
65.47 miles through 21 communities on its journey from Deal to
Maidstone, carried by 136 Torchbearers. The day will conclude with an
evening celebration at Leeds Castle.
Highlights
for today include artist Tracey Emin carrying the Flame at the Turner
Gallery in Margate. A London-based artist, Tracey graduated from the
Maidstone College of Art in 1986, and was shortlisted for the Turner
Prize in 1999.
Olympian Steven Backley will run with the Flame in Ramsgate, while Joseph Smith, 78, who became the oldest Briton ever to swim the English Channel at the age of 65, will also carry the Flame.
Olympian Steven Backley will run with the Flame in Ramsgate, while Joseph Smith, 78, who became the oldest Briton ever to swim the English Channel at the age of 65, will also carry the Flame.
Day 61: 18.07.12
The Flame travels through the Channel Tunnel on its journey from Hastings to Dover:
On
day 61 of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay, the Flame will travel 57
miles and be carried by 94 different Torchbearers in total.
Torchbearer Luke Lancaster poses with the town crier and Mayor of Battle outside Battle Abbey.
Torchbearer Graham Hutchison passes the Flame to Torchbearer Sophie Waller at the top of Dover Castle.
Torchbearer Daisy Shepherd rides the East Hill Cliff Railway, as she
carries the Olympic Flame on the Torch Relay leg through Hastings.
Torchbearer Graeme Faber lights the cauldron with the Olympic Flame in Dover at the end of Day 61
Highlights include the Flame traveling through part of the Channel Tunnel, and then being carried on a Tall Ship into to Dover. Among the Torchbearers are Douglas Evans, 54, who takes wayward, aggressive individuals and helps them channel their uncontrolled energy to focus on their family or martial arts, improving his community.
Day 60: 17.07.12
Olympic Flame to visit Seven Sisters Cliffs and Tonbridge Castle:
The
Olympic Torch Relay takes in some of the dramatic coastline of the
South East as it travels from Brighton and Hove to Hastings today,
covering 108.86 miles.
Kathy Gore runs with the Olympic Flame at Seaford Head, with a view of the Seven Sisters cliffs in East Sussex.
Begining its journey at the pavilion Gardens, Brighton, 137
Torchbearers will carry the Olympic Flame during day 60 of the Olympic
Torch Relay.
The first Torchbearer of the day will be Zachary
Narvaez, 17 from Brighton and Hove. Zach was nominated for being an
outstanding pupil at Dorothy Stringer School, setting up a charity to
raise money for hospices and cancer research and is Chair of the school
council.
Day 59: 16.07.12
Olympic Flame travels from Portsmouth to Brighton and Hove:
Today
the Olympic Flame will visit Cass Sculpture Park and Arundel Castle on
its 94.70-mile journey from Portsmouth to Brighton and Hove.
Torchbearer John Jenkins holds the Olympic Flame at Portsmouth FC's Fratton Park.
The
first Torchbearer of the day starting inside Fratton Park is John
Jenkins, 92, who was nominated for his life-long support of Portsmouth
Football Club.
Throughout the day the Flame will be carried by 131 Torchbearers, including Sally Gunnell and Robin Cousins.
Jason Saw, 42, from Brighton will carry the Flame into the grounds of Arundel Castle. Jason was nominated through the Lloyds TSB campaign for his leadership of a project which aims to tackle mental illness in the Brighton Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans community.
Jason Saw, 42, from Brighton will carry the Flame into the grounds of Arundel Castle. Jason was nominated through the Lloyds TSB campaign for his leadership of a project which aims to tackle mental illness in the Brighton Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans community.
Day 58: 15.07.12
The Olympic Flame visits Guernsey and Jersey:
The Olympic Flame makes a tour of the beautiful Channel Islands of Guernsey and Jersey today.
Olympic Torch Relay Producer Deborah Hale carries the Olympic Flame off BA2012 Firefly as the Torch Relay arrives in Guernsey.
Day 57: 14.07.12
The Flame visits the Isle of Wight and journeys to Southampton:
On Day 57 the Flame travels 58.72 miles and visits 12 communities on its journey from Bournemouth to Southampton.
Torchbearer David Ouston carries the Olympic Flame on a chairlift at The Needles.
Torchbearer Dame Ellen MacArthur carries the Olympic Flame on the Torch Relay between Carisbrooke and East Cowes.
After starting the day in Bournemouth, the Flame will be carried on
the Needles Chair Lift as it visits the coloured sands of Alum Bay beach
on the Isle of Wight.
Later one of the world’s greatest ever offshore sailors, Dame Ellen MacArthur, will carry the Flame in East Cowes.
Day 56: 13.07.12
The Olympic Flame visits Chesil Beach and Durdle Door as it travels through Dorset:
The
Olympic Flame will travel through the spectacular scenery of Dorset
today, as it journeys from Portland Bill to Bournemouth.
Torchbearer Lisa Devine holds the Olympic Flame at Durdle Door in Dorset
The 76-mile route will take in scenic locations along the Jurassic
Coast, including Portland Bill, the natural rock arch Durdle Door and
the vast shingle expanse of Chesil Beach.
The first Torchbearer of the day will be Tom Mules, 16, from Weymouth,
who will run with the Flame at Pulpit Rock, Portland Bill. He was
nominated as a Torchbearer for his commitment to competing in biathlons,
triathlons and his work as a young ambassador for sport and for
children with disabilities.
Day 55: 12.07.12
Flame sets off from Stonehenge as it makes its way to Weymouth:
The Olympic Torch Relay will set off from Stonehenge
in the early hours of the day before travelling 107.80 miles to
Weymouth, carried by 116 inspirational Torchbearers along the way.
Olympic gold medallist Michael Johnson holds the Olympic Flame at Stonehenge
Michael Johnson, the US Olympic gold medallist and one of the greatest sprinters in history, will start the day with the Flame at Stonehenge for sunrise. He will then pass the Flame on to Will Cop, 17, from West Overton, who was selected for his determination to succeed in everything he puts his mind to despite suffering from Cerebral Palsy.
Day 54: 11.07.12
Olympic Flame visits Caversham Court Gardens and Winchester Cathedral:
On
Wednesday 11 July, 120 inspirational Torchbearers will carry the Flame
as it travels 105.35 miles through 13 communities on its journey from
Reading to Salisbury.
Torchbearer Ian Harding carries the Olympic Flame alongside the River Thames in Reading.
Lee Umpleby, 34, from Reading, will start with the Flame at Caversham Court Gardens. Lee was nominated by Reading City Council for his outstanding work as a community police officer.
In Basing stoke a
Torchbearer will run along London Street, the same stretch of route as a
Torchbearer in the 1948 Olympic Torch Relay.
George Weedon, 92,
will continue the London 1948 theme by carrying the Flame in Reading.
George was a gymnast in the 1948 Olympic Games in London and
participated in the men's Individual All-Around.
Day 53: 10.07.12
Olympic Flame greeted by The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh at Windsor Castle:
The
Olympic Flame receives a Royal welcome on Day 53 of the Olympic Torch
Relay as it makes the 87.05 mile journey from Oxford to Reading.
Sir Roger Bannister passes the Flame to Torchbearer Nicola Byrom on the track at Iffley Road Stadium, Oxford
Carrying the Flame through Windsor Castle, Torchbearer Gina
Macgregor, from Maidenhead, will handover to 12 year old Phillip Wells
from Taplow, witnessed by Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness
The Duke of Edinburgh during the afternoon.
The Flame begins its
journey at Iffley Road Stadium, where Sir Roger Bannister will hand it
to the First Torchbearer of the day, Nicola Byron.
Day 52: 09.07.12
Olympic Flame visits Bletchley Park and Blenheim Palace on its way to Oxford:
The Olympic Torch Relay will travel 112.32 miles through 15 communities and will also visit Stoke Mandeville Stadium.
Torchbearer Hazel Staten holds the Olympic Flame at Bletchley Park
Torchbearer Gemma Collis passes the Olympic Flame to Torchbearer Ian Estick on the running track of Stoke Mandeville Stadium
On Monday 9 July, 133 inspirational Torchbearers will carry the Flame as it travels from Luton to Oxford.
Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton will start the Torch Relay at St Georges Square in Luton.
Eighteen-year-old
Juliet Sparrow will carry the Flame to Blenheim Palace. Juliet's
courage and determination has helped her to overcome a broken back,
which happened while she was trekking in Costa Rica to raise money for
charity.
Also carrying the Flame today is Rebekah Wagnell, 16.
Rebekah was born with chronic renal failure, her condition deteriorated
and in 2006, she received a kidney transplant from her Dad. Last week
she came back from the 18th World Transplant Games with 3 silver and 2
gold medals in the swimming events.
Day 51: 08.07.12
Olympic Flame travels in a punt:
The Olympic
Flame travels in a punt today as it journeys from Cambridge to Luton on
Day 51 of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay.
Torchbearer Simon Stothard joins in with the Luton International
Carnival before he carries the Olympic Flame on the Torch Relay through
Luton.
Torchbearer Edward Roberts carries the Olympic Flame on a punt down the River Cam.
The Flame will travel 107.66 miles through 12 communities before
arriving at Popes Meadow Park in Luton for the evening celebration.
A
total of 131 Torchbearers will carry the Flame through the day. They
include Barry Funnell, 49, from Clapham (Bedfordshire), carrying it in
Luton. Barry is the CEO of the charity Word for the World. Barry was
paralysed from the chest down in an accident 29 years ago. Against the
odds, he went on to qualify as a dentist. He later gave up his career in
dentistry to go to Malawi, Africa, to do language development and
translated the Bible for the Sena people in a record 10 years. This was
despite 20 bouts of malaria. Over 50 literacy centres now operate in
Malawi, teaching hundreds to read and write. Barry loves sport, and his
disability doesn’t stop him.
Day 50: 07.07.12
Olympic Flame visits Lee Valley White Water Centre on its journey to Cambridge:
Hannah Agyeman-Prempeh waves to the crowd as she carries the Olympic Flame
The Olympic Flame will travel 145 miles through 14 communities on its journey from Chelmsford to Cambridge.
20-year-old
Zachary Franklin, from Nottingham will carry the Flame at Lee Valley
White Water Centre, the venue for Canoe Slalom. Zachery was nominated
for his commitment and dedication to the sport of canoeing and inspiring
his peers. Zachary is also currently completing his coaching
qualification to help train others.
Jeremy Stopher, 49, from
Braintree, will carry the torch in Chelmsford. He has run 10 marathons,
raising ten of thousands of pounds for a number of good causes.
Jamie
Oliver will carry the Flame in Newport, Essex. He was nominated
for inspiring people to spend more time enjoying being in the kitchen –
and even start growing their own food.
Day 49: 06.07.12
Olympic Flame visits Hadleigh Farm on its journey from Ipswich to Chelmsford:
Torchbearer Emily Rogers holds the Olympic Flame at Christchurch Mansion in Suffolk
The Flame will be carried through 14 communities by 138 Torchbearers including Olympian Mark Foster.
The
day will start at Christchurch Mansion House where the Flame will be
transferred from the lantern to the first Torch of the day. Promising
young athlete Emily Rogers, 18, from Bury St Edmunds is the day's first
Torchbearer, having been nominated through the LOCOG campaign.
Highlights of the day include the Flame visiting Hadleigh Farm – the venue for the Mountain Bike competition at London 2012 – where it will carried on a mountain bike by fitness instructor Kim Axford from Canvey Island.
Highlights of the day include the Flame visiting Hadleigh Farm – the venue for the Mountain Bike competition at London 2012 – where it will carried on a mountain bike by fitness instructor Kim Axford from Canvey Island.
Day 48: 05.07.12
Paralympian Giles Long and Olympian Adrian Moorhouse carry the Flame on its journey from Norwich to Ipswich:
The Olympic Torch Relay travels to the UK's most easterly point on its 119.65-mile journey today.
Paralympian Giles Long MBE carries the Olympic Torch
Torchbearer Giles Long MBE holds the Olympic Flame as abseilers descend down the side of Norwich Castle trailing coloured smoke.
On Thursday 5 July, the Olympic Flame will travel through 17
communities on its journey from Norwich to Ipswich, carried by 115
Torchbearers.
The first Torchbearer of the day will be
Paralympian Giles Long, who will carry the Torch through Norwich Castle.
Giles has won Paralympic, European, and World Championship gold medals;
in October 2000 he won the Paralympic 100m Butterfly gold medal in a
world record time.
Day 47: 04.07.12
Olympic Flame visits Sandringham House on its journey to Norwich:
The Olympic Flame will be carried 127.30 miles by 124 Torchbearers on Day 47, including Olympians Goldie Sayers, Marlon Devonish and Kate Walsh.
Torchbearer Kamal Hyman holds the Olympic Flame in front of The Guildhall on Cathedral Square in Peterborough.
On Wednesday 4 July, the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay travels from Peterborough to Norwich.
The
Flame will be carried through the Norwich Gates into Sandringham House,
the country retreat of Her Majesty The Queen and the private home of
four generations of British monarchs since 1862.
Christina
Walker, 40, from Norwich will carry the Flame onto Cromer Pier.
Christina was selected for her work as a teaching assistant and her
quest to run four marathons in four days.
Shannon
Williams-Holland, 15, will carry the Flame in Spalding. Shannon is a
young carer who volunteers and fundraises for 'Action for Young Carers'
and her dream is to run a charity in the future.
Day 46: 03.07.12
Flame visits Rutland Water and Burghley House on its journey to Peterborough:
On Day 46 of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay, 100 Torchbearers will carry the Flame a distance of 75.29 miles.
Torchbearer Angela Conibear holds the Olympic Flame next to a steam
train before the Flame takes a journey on the Great Central Railway.
The Day begins at the National Space Centre as stuntman Eric Scott carries the Olympic Flame in the sky using a jet pack.
On Tuesday 3 July, the Flame travels through 12 communities on its journey from Leicester to Peterborough.
The
Flame will begin the day at the National Space Centre as the Torch is
delivered by Jet Pack in a special intergalactic themed community event,
before travelling from Leicester to Quorn on the Great Central Railway.
Day 45: 02.07.12
Olympic Flame visits Foxton Locks and Coventry Cathedral on its journey to Leicester
On
Monday 2 July, the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay will travel 100.95
miles through 16 communities on its journey from Coventry to Leicester.
Torchbearer and Triathlete Tim Don carries the Olympic Flame in the stands of the City of Coventry Stadium
Torchbearer Ali Abdillahi holds the Olympic Flame at the Coventry Cathedral ruins
The Flame will start its journey at Coventry Cathedral, and later in
the day will be taken on a canal boat at Foxton Locks by Torchbearer
David Willson from Hollowell.David spends his time volunteering and serving others and is hoping to encourage hundreds of families around the London area to host 1000 Olympic and Paralympic Family members in their homes for free during the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
These families would not otherwise be able to afford to come to the Games and see their relatives compete.
Day 44: 01.07.12
Olympic Flame visits Shakespeare's Birthplace on its journey to Coventry
The Olympic Flame will travel 95.95 miles from Birmingham to Coventry on Day 44 of the Torch Relay.
Beth Broadhead carries the Olympic Flame through Birmingham
Today the Flame travels through 17 communities and will be carried by
the youngest Torchbearer in the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay,
12-year-old Dominic Macgowan.
The Flame will then visit
Shakespeare’s Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon, where it will be
greeted by by ‘William Shakespeare’ and young people involved in the
Shakespeare Birthplace Trust’s education programme.
During the
day the Flame will also be carried by Georgina Harland who won a bronze
medal in the Modern Pentathlon at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.
Georgina is now a mentor to other athletes and is Chair of the
International Federation Athletes' Commission.
Day 43: 30.06.12
Olympic flames visits Tamworth Castle on its journey from Derby to Birmingham
On day 43 of the Olympic Torch Relay, the Flame will travel 79 miles and be carried by 174 Torchbearers.
Johnson Beharry carries the Olympic Flame through the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, Staffordshire.
Tracy Round carries the Olympic Flame past Tamworth Castle.
Today the Flame will travel through the following 19 communities:
Derby, Burton Upon Trent, Streethay, Lichfield, Hopwas, Tamworth,
Great Wyrley, Newtown, Bloxwich, Leamore, Birchills, Walsall,
Willenhall, Wolverhampton, Dudley, Oldbury, West Bromwich, Smethwick and
Birmingham.
Day 42: 29.06.12
Olympic Flame travels on the Heights of Abraham cable car
The Olympic Flame will travel on the Heights of Abraham cable car and visit Chatsworth House on its journey from Nottingham to Derby on Day 42 of the Torch Relay.Torchbearer Barbara Green poses with the Robin Hood statue before she carries the Olympic Flame on the Torch Relay through Nottingham.
Day 41: 28.06.12
Olympic Flame visits Lincoln Cathedral and Sherwood Forest
Today the Olympic Flame will travel 100.4 miles through 17 communities on its journey from Lincoln to Nottingham.
Torchbearer Laura Graves stands in front of The Major Oak in Sherwood Forest whilst holding the Olympic Flame
Torchbearer Laura Graves, 16, Grantham, will carry the Flame to Major Oak in Nottingham’s Sherwood Forest, an oak tree which is between 800 and 1,000 years old. Laura was nominated for her outstanding sporting accomplishments, inspirational work with young people around the Olympic legacy and her work with the local Guides and Brownies.
Day 40: 27.06.12
Olympic Flame journeys from Grimsby Docks to Lincoln
The Olympic Torch Relay will start Day 40 with an abseil down one of the Humber region’s most iconic landmarks.
Day 39: 26.06.12
Olympic Flame visits Don Valley Stadium
The Olympic Flame visits the Don Valley Stadium in Sheffield today as it travels through 16 communities to Cleethorpes.
The Day begins at Don Valley Stadium
A total of 130 Torchbearers will carry the Flame as it journeys 77.24
miles before arriving at Meridian Park, Cleethorpes for the evening
celebration.
The first Torchbearer of the day is Lucy Brunt, 13 from Sheffield, who
will start with the Flame from Don Valley Stadium. Lucy was nominated
for her courage and determination in dealing with her Down’s syndrome
and the fantastic work she does with the disability sport project called
Within Reach.
Day 38: 25.06.12
Olympic Flame continues its journey from Leeds to Sheffield
Today
the Relay will travel 76.95 miles and will be carried by 142
Torchbearers, including young fundraiser Steven Tomlinson and Olympians
Dorothy Hyman, Robert Geldard and Sebastian Coe.
The
first Torchbearer of the day will be Michael Healey, 71, from Leeds,
who will start at Leeds Town Hall and carry the Flame through the Live
Site in Millennium Square.
During the afternoon Torchbearers will take the Olympic Flame on
two very special visits, one to the National Coal Mining Museum and the
other to Sheffield Children’s Hospital.
The Relay will travel through the following communities:
Leeds, Huntslet, Beeston, Morley, Batley, Dewsbury, Wakefield,
Castleford, Pontefract, Ackworth, Lundwood, Barnsley, Darton, Kexbrough,
Chapeltown, Ecclesfield, Parson Cross and Sheffield.
Day 37: 24.06.12
Sir Bobby Charlton carries the Torch as the Olympic Flame journeys from Manchester to Leeds
Sir
Bobby Charlton carries the Flame up Sir Matt Busby Way to the front of
Old Trafford. Bobby was a member of the England World Cup winning side
in 1966 and was also won the Ballon d’Or for European Footballer of the
Year in the same year.
The Olympic Flame travels 121.35 miles and will be carried by 151 Torchbearers today, including, BMX racer Shanaze Reade and Kirsty Howard, 16, from Manchester. Kirsty was born with a rare heart condition. In February 1999 she was given six weeks to live but has defied the odds.
Day 36: 23.06.12
Sir Chris Hoy carries Flame on its journey from Lytham St Anne’s to Manchester
Olympic gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy will carry the Olympic Flame in Manchester
on Day 36 of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay.
Day 35: 22.06.12
Olympic flame visits Kendal Castle and the Blackpool Tower Ballroom at the halfway point of the Torch Relay
The Flame is carried by 139 Torchbearers, including Strictly Come Dancing champions Harry Judd and Aliona Vilani, from Kendal to Blackpool.
Day 34: 21.06.12
Olympic Flame visits the Robert Burns statue
Day 33: 20.06.12
Olympic Torch relay
Today the
Olympic Flame will cover 121.77 miles on a journey from Dumfries in
Scotland to Bowness-on-Windermere in the Lake District.
Today the Olympic Flame will travel 134.48 miles through 13 communities on its journey from York to Carlisle.
Day 32: 19.06.12
Princess Beatrice greets Olympic Flame at Harewood House on its journey from Hull to York
Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice will welcome the Olympic Flame as it visits Harewood House shortly after midday today.
Janet Baker, 33, from Leeds, will carry the Flame into the historic
estate, where she will be greeted by the Princess, who will spend time
meeting some of the Torchbearers and other guests. Janet was selected
through the Lloyds TSB campaign for the time and dedication that she
gives to raising money for charity.
They are two of the 117 inspirational Torchbearers carrying the Flame a
total of 149.83 miles through 15 communities, on its journey from Hull
to York.
Later in the day Lewis Birkinshaw, 17, from Bradford will carry the
Flame at Fountains Abbey, Ripon. Lewis is Bradford Academy’s current
Citizen of the Year, highly successful in both the academic and sporting
worlds and consistently a positive role model.
Day 31: 18.06.12
Love burns brightly on the Olympic Torch Relay
As
the Olympic Torch Relay travels from Middlesborough to Hull, cheered
along its way by thousands of spectators, the day has been made even
more special for one member of the crowd.
Torchbearer David State, 25, from Redcar, used his moment to shine
to go down on one knee halfway through his journey to ask girlfriend
Christine Langham to marry him.
With hundreds of people along Loftus High Street looking on, Christine, eight months pregnant, said yes and the already jubilant crowd cheered with support.
With hundreds of people along Loftus High Street looking on, Christine, eight months pregnant, said yes and the already jubilant crowd cheered with support.
Day 30: 17.06.12
Olympic Flame visits Hartlepool Maritime Experience on journey from Durham to Middlesbrough
Today the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay will travel 83.70 miles through 19 communities on its journey from Durham to Middlesbrough.
The first Torchbearer of the day will be England and Durham cricketer Paul Collingwood, 36, who will start with the Flame at Palace Green. Paul is a three-times Ashes winner and has made 68 Test and 232 limited over appearances for his country and also claims the honour of being the first England captain to lead the side to victory in a global tournament when his side won the World International Twenty20 in 2010.Today on June 16th Olympic Flame to visit Angel of the North and Hadrian’s Wall
Day 29 - Olympic Torch Relay the Olympic Flame will travel 98.90 miles through 17 communities on its journey from Gateshead to Durham.
Olympic gold medallist Haile Gebrselassie passes the Flame to Olympian Brendan Foster
131 Torchbearers will carry the Flame through the following communities:
Gateshead, South Shields, Whitburn, Sunderland, Lowfell & Chowdene,
Blaydon, Prudhoe, Stocksfield, Hexham, Riding Mill, Consett, Moorside,
Castleside, Tow Law, Esh, Langley Park and Durham.
The Flame begins the day abseiling down The Sage, Gateshead, carried by 45-year-old Richard Jackson, from Seaton Sluice.
Jon Mellish, 14, from South Shields, will carry the Flame into Gateshead International Stadium and run around the track. An elite football and rugby player, Jon was nominated for being inspirational to his Dad and recently won Editors Choice Overall Sports Personality in the South Tynside sports awards.
Olympic gold medallist Haile Gebrselassie will carry the Flame along Coast Road in South Shields. He will hand the Flame to Olympian Brendan Foster, who will carry it across the Great North Run finish line.
The evening celebration will take place at Durham University Racecourse. The show will start at 5pm and include music from Little Comets and dance act Twist and Pulse. There will also be entertainment from local acts staged by Durham County Council.
The Flame begins the day abseiling down The Sage, Gateshead, carried by 45-year-old Richard Jackson, from Seaton Sluice.
Jon Mellish, 14, from South Shields, will carry the Flame into Gateshead International Stadium and run around the track. An elite football and rugby player, Jon was nominated for being inspirational to his Dad and recently won Editors Choice Overall Sports Personality in the South Tynside sports awards.
Olympic gold medallist Haile Gebrselassie will carry the Flame along Coast Road in South Shields. He will hand the Flame to Olympian Brendan Foster, who will carry it across the Great North Run finish line.
The evening celebration will take place at Durham University Racecourse. The show will start at 5pm and include music from Little Comets and dance act Twist and Pulse. There will also be entertainment from local acts staged by Durham County Council.
TODAY i.e. ON 15.06.12 ABOUT THE TORCH RELAY
Today the
London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay will travel 64.15 miles through 18
communities on its journey from Alnwick to Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
The
first Torchbearer of the day will be Richard Moules, 65, from Hexham,
who will carry the Flame from Alnwick Cross Monument. He was nominated
for the leading role that he played in the formation of Humshaugh
Community Ventures that breathed new life into the local community.
Olympic gymnast Louis Smith will also carry the Flame. At the Beijing
2008 Olympic Games, at the age of just 19, he took home a bronze medal
to become the first Briton in 100 years to win a medal in the men’s
Individual event.
In total, 141 inspirational Torchbearers will carry the Flame through
the communities of Alnwick, Hipsburn, Warkworth, Amble, Ashington,
Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Choppington, Morpeth, Hartford, Bedlington, Blyth,
Whitley Bay, Cullercoats, Tynemouth, North Shields, Howdon, Wallsend
and Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
The evening celebration will feature a variety of entertainment
including music from Little Comets, a dance troupe who will provide a
unique fusion of street performance, theatre and sport and dance act
Twist and Pulse. There will also be entertainment from local acts staged
by Newcastle City Council.