Four of Britain’s top tennis players and two of the country’s most passionate volunteers have been confirmed as Olympic Torchbearers for the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay.
Andy Murray, Elena Baltacha, Peter Norfolk, Oli Golding, Conor Keohane and Dennis Laycock have all been awarded the honour of carrying the Olympic Flame ahead of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the following times and locations:
- Conor Keohane: 29 May in Chester
- Peter Norfolk: 1 June in Liverpool
- Dennis Laycock:16 June between Gateshead and Durham
- Elena Baltacha: 19 July in St Peters, Kent
- Andy Murray: 23 July in Merton
- Oli Golding: 24 July in Richmond-Upon-Thames
A total of 8,000 inspirational people have been chosen to carry the Olympic Flame through more than 1,000 cities, towns and villages in the UK. Murray, Baltacha and Norfolk were all nominated to carry the Flame for their continued achievements within the sport, whilst Oli Golding was nominated after winning gold in the boys' doubles at the 2010 Youth Olympic Games.
Speaking about her selection, Britain’s No.1 Elena Baltcaha said: "This is such an amazing honour that it's hard to put it into words. The Olympic Torch is a unique symbol, not just for athletes but for everybody who is part of London 2012. I'm going to feel so, so proud to have the torch in my hand and to help it make its journey around Britain. Making the GB Olympic tennis team is a massive goal for me this year and I'm sure the other British girls feel the same. I'm going to do everything I can to make sure that I qualify."
Conor Keohane and Dennis Laycock were both nominated as a result of their continued commitment to volunteering within British tennis. 17-year-old Conor was recognised for making a significant impact on the tennis coaching programme at Brooklands Sports Club in Cheshire, whilst Dennis Laycock from County Durham has helped to significantly grow his club’s membership.
Speaking about his selection, Conor Keohane from Sale said: "I can’t believe how excited I am about this. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and even though I’ve known about being nominated for a few months it still hasn’t really sunk in. I’ve grown up with sport, it’s been such a huge part of my life and I love the volunteering I do so to be able to carry the Olympic Torch will be one of the proudest moments of my life. I can’t wait. All my friends and family are going to be there – it’s going to be amazing."
The Olympic Flame will arrive in the UK on 18 May 2012. It will make its way across the country starting on 19 May in Land’s End before embarking on a 70-day journey. It will come within 10 miles of 95% of people in the UK, Isle of Man, Guernsey and Jersey with a different town and city of the UK set to welcome the Olympic Flame every evening of the Torch Relay.
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