London celebrates the Torch Relay

The tremendous support for the Olympic torch has continued as it has been working its way through the London Boroughs over the weekend.

Photo:  London2012

The flame has been carried on the outside of a pod on the London Eye by Amelia Hempleman-Adams who skied to the South Pole at the age of 16, taken around the Crystal palace stadium by spinter Marlon Devonish and every torch bearer has described the emotional experience as the best moment in their lives. For five minutes this person is the only person in the world carrying this Olympic flame.The simplicity of the event highlights the bravery and determination of so many people, who have been nominated as a torch bearer for their hard work and good deeds within their community and further. 

Doreen Lawrence carries the flame in Lewisham in memory of her son who was murdered in 1993
. Photo:  LOCOG/PA

There is just so much good feeling wherever the torch goes. Not only are people there to see the historical moment of the torch, but also to honour the marvellous work of these people in their community and see the great sportsmen and women.

Fabric Muamba, the Bolton footballer who survivied a cardiac arest on the football pitch earlier this year. Photo: London 2012

Today, the route ends in Wimbledon with Andy Murray and Venus Williams running through the tennis courts and Tim Henman will ‘put it to bed’ in the cauldron at Tooting. 

Photo:  BBC/PA

However, tonight the story line of the BBC’s soap EastEnders includes a live insert with ‘Billy Mitchell’, running through the fictional borough of Walford and past some of the programme’s landmarks including the Queen Vic pub.

Chris Hoy at the Beijing closing ceremony Photo: PA

And breaking news, we have just heard that Sir Chris Hoy will be carrying our flag for Team GB on Friday at the opening ceremony. The four-time Olympic gold medal cycling champion proudly carried the flag at the closing ceremony in Beijing four years ago.