Somerset Men Team player Richard Fay created his own piece of history on the 22nd May by carrying the Olympic torch through Wells Town Centre. Richard, who grew up in Cheddar, Somerset but now lives in London, was nominated by his sister Charlotte.
Charlotte completed the nomination in the Summer of 2011 and kept it secret from her brother, until she knew he had made it through round 1 just after Christmas. Richard picked up the torch at 10:51 in Milton Street and finished his leg on the torch relay at 10:55am in New Street as part of the torch leg from Wells to Shepton Mallett.
Richard said “It was a complete surprise when I found out I was in the process, it was a great experience and I met some amazing people during what was a really enjoyable day”
Richard is pictured front left in the Somerset Men’s Team.
Richard has enjoyed a series of representative honors for Somerset representing the county at all age groups, and most recently playing for the men’s team in the Winter County Cup winning his singles match against Bedfordshire. Richard also captained the university tennis team at the London School of Economics before moving into his current job working in the city of London.
Tennis Development Manager James Deem said “It was great to see a Somerset tennis player getting to carry the torch, I have played with Richard over a number of years in county tennis and am glad he got the opportunity to create a little piece of history”
Richard does receive a souvenir for the day, which is his tracksuit although he says it is a little too big. Richard added “This was a really nice 'feel-good' day with the weather being perfect and with everyone out to cheer us on”
To read Richard's full story on the Olympic torch website click here