My job is the design, development and delivery of the Olympic and Paralympic Torch Relays. In the early days it was developing the vision and the guiding principles behind the relay. Then we built
a team of just over 100 to help deliver those goals.
The Olympic Torch Relay route has been developed so that 95 per cent of the UK population is within ten miles of it. It took over two years to plan, and
we consulted with every local authority. It was key
to us to ensure that local communities felt involved.
Our campaign is called 'Moment to Shine'. I hope people will come out to witness a moment in history as the Torch Relay passes them, and be proud of the people they see carrying the Flame and the community they are sharing the experience with.
Over half of the 8,000 Torchbearers are aged 16-25, and all have inspiring, deeply humbling personal stories. Last December, I met a young lady who had dedicated her life to looking after her mother who had MS. She wanted to raise awareness of young carers. There are countless other tales of selflessness — yet all are still overwhelmed to have been chosen.
The Torch's designers, manufacturers and engineers are all British companies. A lot of storytelling is woven into the design — it is three sided as it is London's third Games and reflects the three-worded Olympic motto Citius, Altius, Fortius ('Faster, Higher, Stronger'), and its 8,000 holes represent the 8,000 Torchbearers.
I will be accompanying the Flame for the full 70 days of the Olympic Torch Relay. The BBC travels with us, and we hope to tell the story of each Torchbearer.
Muhammad Ali lighting the cauldron to open the Atlanta Games in 1996 is a favourite memory. The simple execution made such an impact — perhaps more than a big fanfare would have done.
Interview: Ianthe Butt. Visit london2012.com/olympic-torch-relay.
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