Four triathletes carry the Olympic Torch across South East
24th July 2012Four inspirational triathletes did themselves and their sport proud last week by taking part in the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay on its journey around the UK.
Juliet Starbuck aged 44 was the first to carry the Torch last week in Petworth on Monday morning (16 July). Steve Mcmenamin carried the Torch the following day (17 July) in Lewes.
The 45-year-old who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes is described in his nomination as ‘inspirational’. Steve decided that he wasn’t going to let the illness beat him and started to get fit. He took up the triathlon challenge training to improve his running, investing in some good cycling equipment and teaching himself to swim. In 2009, he swam the English Channel and in 2010 completed the Ironman Zurich.
Sandra Domizio carried the Torch through her home town of Guildford on Friday morning (20th July). Sandra is described in her nomination to be a Torchbearer as ‘someone who provides inspiration to others in so many ways’. She recently completed a half Ironman and now has her sights set on a full Ironman next year. In addition, she raised over £10,000 for a charity supporting those with terminal cancer. Finally, Sandra is a stalwart of the local community, helping drive forward projects aimed at improving sporting facilities for young people.
Later that day came the turn of Clive Bradburn, who carried the Torch through Redhill in Surrey. In recent years Clive has swum the English Channel and run from John O’ Groats to Land’s End, raising thousands of pounds for charity in the process. A keen sportsman, Clive runs Maidstone Swimming Club for the Disabled, having turned it around from potential closure to a thriving club with over seventy members. Despite having had a knee replacement, he has recently taken part in his first triathlon.
Clive had this to say about his Torchbearing: “Triathlon more than any other sport epitomises the idea of the ‘power of three’ on which the Torch is designed. That's why carrying the Olympic Flame and being a triathlete both mean so much to me!”
Juliet, Steve, Sandra and Clive are among over fifty triathletes chosen to be Torchbearers, representing every level of the sport in the UK from volunteers to elite triathletes. Triathlon’s Torchbearers cover an impressive age range, from 12-year-old Grace Jordan to 91-year-old Arthur Gilbert.
An average of 115 Torchbearers per day will carry the Olympic flame during its 8,000 mile journey around the UK this summer before it arrives at the Olympic Stadium on 27 July. Its journey will take the Flame to within 10 miles of 95% of the UK population.
The triathlon community will also be looking forward to the Olympic triathlons, set to be among the most memorable of the London 2012 Games. The women’s race takes place on Saturday 4th August at 9am and the men’s on Tuesday 7th August at 11:30am. Triathlon will be one of the few free-to-view sports during the Olympic Games, with much of Hyde Park open and un-ticketed during the events. Join the conversation on twitter at #triathlon.
Fans can watch the action at a number of iconic London landmarks including the south side of the Serpentine, The Wellington Arch, and Buckingham Palace, as well as plenty of areas within Hyde Park to view the event.