Local Runners Confused Over Olympic Torch Bearing

THIS week runners in the running clubs around Down District are asking a fundamental question... WHERE ARE THE OLYMPIC TORCH BEARERS? 

In line with custom and practice, local runners are used to carry the torch on its quest through each nation to its place at the offical opening of the Olmypic games.

Joe Quinn is concerned about the lack of local runners in the Olympic torch bearing

The question is now being asked in earnest, 'does anyone know anyone who has been selected to be one of the torch bearers when the Olympic Flame travels through this district, Newcastle to Saintfield, by Relay on 7 June?'

Joe Quinn, East Down Athletic Club Secretary and a lifelong runner himself, is quite perplexed by the decision taken by the Olympic selection committee. He said, "I have raised this issue because as yet I have not found anyone among the local running clubs who has been or knows anyone who has been selected to carry the torch. If I had been selected, which I wasn't, but would give my right arm and even throw in my gammy left leg for good measure, for the once in a lifetime experience, I would be shouting it from the rooftops.

"In fact, I'd be selling tickets to my family and friends to come and take the photos. I have been told that there were 11 nominations for every place in the relay and that the selection panels which had to chose were faced with very difficult decisions – I have no doubt of that but if every person selected only gets to carry the torch 300 metres that's a lot of people. So how come everyone is keeping silent about this great privelege?

"Probably the greatest scandal of this selection process is that the inspirational John McKeag, of Ballydrain Harriers and honorary life member of East Down AC, who is in his 90th year and has been running for over 70 of those years, is still an active runner and cyclist, and was not selected! What better advert could there be for the Olympic spirit than John's participation in the Relay, especially if he was paired with youngest torch bearer?"

90-year old John McKeag presenting Caoilin Quinn with the P6/7 Team trophy which Our Lady and St Patrick's Primary School won at the Rollercoaster races last weekend at Downpatrick Racecourse

Joe added, "Anyway the information to hand states that there is no appeal process if you haven't been selected but in the FAQ section in answer to the question What should I do if I no longer wish to be a Torchbearer? the answer given is “Individuals wishing to opt out of being a Torchbearer are asked not to respond to the conditional offer they receive, thereby informing us of their decision to no longer be a Torchbearer.”

"This doesn't really answer what happens if at a later stage, after responding positively to the conditional offer, someone drops out – it suggests though that there could be a place for a substitute – and John would be the very man. I know this is all speculation but it strikes me that it will be a serious injustice if John is not chosen to be involved in the occasion.

"Can we do something about this even at this stage? If anyone has any views on this I can be contacted by email at   joemarathon50@btinternet.com "

Across Down District there are hundreds of eligible runners who could run and carry the Olympic torch, which for everyone would be a huge lifetime honour. 

But the question remains unanswered about te selection process and Down News will discuss this with the Olympic representatives and hopefully present the findings in an article in the near future. 

The passion that the local running fraternity has for their sport stems from the Olympics founded over 2000 years ago, and not to have a local representative carrying the torch would be a tremendous loss to this district, and many would argue against the spirit of the Olympic tradition iitself.