Olympic Torch bearers

Damiilla

Okay so, I went to go watch the olympic torch go by today and found myself getting severely annoyed. I understand why they choose the people that they do, they're all people who are a 'beakon of light' to somebody, that's why they were nominated.

However, after waiting in the rain for an hour, and watching an unfit and out of breath woman trudge by, I began to wonder why The Olympics have come away from an age old tradition of flaunting physical fitness. After watching news coverage as well I'm convinced. I'm certainly not saying these individuals weren't deserving. Though, when I think of the Olympics I associate it with being in peak physical condition, not to mention promoting health and well being.

I'm probably going to be flamed for this but at the same time I feel like I'm not the only person that feels this way.

Should the Olympics only focus on sport related activity, fitness and health? Or does it alienate a large group of people?

jaz050465

I saw it a few weeks ago. Must admit, I found it quite moving. I loved the whole atmosphere. I even got to hold the torch and have my photo taken. My torch bearer was young and fit but I think it's all about getting everyone involved.

meshashesha2012

well didnt ali have issues carrying the torch when he had it?

i though torch bearers were chosen because of their past experience as well as their relationship to the community. i think it's a bit ridiculous to expect people to be in the same shape they were in the past. besides that, that person could have been a power lifter (which is also n olympic sport) so track and field and running probably would have never been her forte.

for instance, pele's bicycle kick against sweden was awesome, but i doubt he'd be able to do that now and the fact that he's older now than he was then in no way takes away from his current relevance.

larkiedeek

I don't object to random punters carrying the torch. It's the Z list celebs I have the real problem with.

Who picked these idiots!!!!

It makes me angry. That and the Team GB football team full of just the English and Welsh, and no Beckam (who got them the Olympics)!

Laces_0ut

when the torch came through our town in 96 some friends and i were hanging out waiting to watch. someone found one of those tiki torches that repels bugs in the garage and we got one of the guys to light it and jump out in the street and start running. people were clapping and cheering for him. that was fun.

Damiilla

I don't object to random punters carrying the torch. It's the Z list celebs I have the real problem with.

Who picked these idiots!!!!

It makes me angry. That and the Team GB football team full of just the English and Welsh, and no Beckam (who got them the Olympics)!

Ahh I agree even more with this! So dissapointing! Bellamy!? Really!?

stevewynjones

Chuck a few mill in the pot you get a go as well....

But apart fromt he sponsers and the z listers there are some truly moving moments which, in my opinion, negate that ****...

caraiselite

i'm annoyed david tennant wasn't chosen

Elle408

I've been working quite a few of the larger events so have seen a lot of the torch and it's bearers and I think the people who have been chosen are amazing! (Bar the Z-list celebs, that will never be ok!).

The people that are carrying the torch are the absolute best representation of the British public; they have done phenomenal and awe-inspiring things, overcoming tremendous odds and triumphing through adversity. They're the backbone of what makes our country great and they're delivering the torch to London where the many athletes will then continue to inspire people with their hard work and dedication and beautiful physiques. I think they have the balance just right!

lmarshel

when the torch came through our town in 96 some friends and i were hanging out waiting to watch. someone found one of those tiki torches that repels bugs in the garage and we got one of the guys to light it and jump out in the street and start running. people were clapping and cheering for him. that was fun.

LOL Nice...

When the Summer Olympics were held in Atlanta in 1996, the torch came right through my town at the time...Valdosta GA. The owner of the company I worked for was the president of the local BBB at the time, and she was one of the torch bearers. She carried the segment that ran right in front of our building, so we all lined up to see it. It was a lot of fun. And afterwards she was able to purchase the torch she carried. She brought it in for us to see, and I got to hold it. Pretty cool...a piece of history.