March 19, 2012 10.20 am This story is over 143 months old

Lincoln Olympic torchbearers announced

Torchbearers announced: Lincoln’s own carriers of the 2012 Olympic Torch have been confirmed by the City of Lincoln Council.

Two special people from Lincoln will be carrying the Olympic Torch through Lincoln as part of the 7,000 people-strong Olympic Torch Relay.

Nick Hope (33) and Dot Fraser (75) were chosen by the City of Lincoln Council to run the Lincoln leg of the relay on June 27 and 28.

Also read: Lincoln Olympic torch relay route and party confirmed

Nick Hope is a volunteer, working with young people within his community. He takes local children to football sessions and is involved in Stand Up Speak Up with Lincoln City Football Club, which teaches sport to youths of different nationalities together.

He will be bringing the torch into Lincoln to its resting place at Lincoln Cathedral overnight.

He said: “When they told me, it was just ‘Oh wow, I’m going to carry the Olympic Torch!’ When I told my family, they thought I was winding them up, and it’s still a shock!

“I know it’ll be a bit daunting at first, but I’m sure I’ll get used to it. I play football, so I’m fairly fit, but I think I’ll do a bit of training for this.”

Dot Fraser is the oldest member of the Lincoln Wellington Athletic Club, but wins the most medals of all the group, as well as holding every club record for sprinters over the age of 55.

She travels all over to compete, and will be carrying the torch out of Lincoln towards Nottingham on June 28.

She said: “I can’t believe I’ve been chosen, it is such an honour!

“Running for me is like being a part of a big family. I’m looking forward to watching the Olympic Games on TV – that way you can watch all the sports, rather than just a few.”

Torchbearers will be recognisable by their white and gold uniform, designed by Adidas.

There will also be 22 community torchbearers carrying the flame through Lincoln, who were chosen by public nomination run by LOCOG and the presenting partners.

Community torchbearers will be given a slot within an hour of their nomination address to run, so they can be cheered of by people they know.

The torch will take an 8,000 mile journey across the UK, being held by around 115 torchbearers a day, before lighting the cauldron at the Olympic Stadium in London on July 27 at the Opening Ceremony of the Games.

Source: City of Lincoln Council