Former athletes and hopefuls for London 2012 united in delight after it was confirmed that the Olympic torch would be carried through the streets of Dundee next year.
The London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) confirmed on Wednesday the city would host the iconic flame on June 12, 2012.
Dundee will be the 27th stop on the torch’s nationwide tour which will also involved a visit to St Andrews before it arrives in London over a month later for the official opening of the games on July 27.
Auchterhouse skeet shooter Drew Christie believes that the appearance of the flame in Dundee will bring people on to the city streets.
Drew (30), who narrowly missed out on a medal at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, is hopeful of making the British Olympic team for the games and believes the parading of the Olympic flame in the city will be a special moment for him and everyone else in Dundee.
He told The Courier, “I think it’s great news that the torch is coming to Dundee. You never think about these things at first but when you realise that they are happening then they are very special.
“It’s a bit like the Commonwealth Games in that you didn’t really know how significant it was until it was taking place.”DelightNews Tayside will be featured was met with delight by those who created their own piece of Olympic history, including runner Liz McColgan, who memorably took silver in the 10,000 metres at the 1988 Games in Seoul.
The Carnoustie resident said, “I think Dundee has got quite a few sportsmen and women who have done really well at Olympic standard. This all could have been very London-based but it’s good to be involved in it, as it is great having the games come to the capital city of the UK.
“I think there will be a great buzz about it and there will be a lot of support for the event and the people who are carrying the torch.”
Her sentiments were echoed by local boxing legend Dick McTaggart, who scooped gold in 1956 in Melbourne. Now aged 75 and living in Troon, the former champion declared he would make the journey to see the flame make its way through his hometown.
Speaking of his own honour of carrying the flame, he said, “I felt seven foot high. It’s great to know your country are thinking of you and honouring you. I’m thrilled to hear it’s coming to Dundee it’s fantastic news.”
Norman Watson has been involved with athletics in Tayside for decades as a former president and now honorary life member of Perth Strathtay Harriers.
Having attended events throughout the world, as well as reporting from the Commonwealth Games in Delhi for The Courier, he understands more than most the importance of the flame.SymbolDelighted Dundee will be able to play a small part in the build-up to the games, he hoped seeing the torch in the city would motivate public interest.
“It’s amazing knowing that the Olympic torch is coming to Dundee,” he said. “The flame is a worldwide symbol of the Olympic movement and to have it passing through Dundee will be a great moment for the city.
“Sebastian Coe was really determined that Scotland should play a part in the games and having the torch in Dundee will get the whole public behind the games. I had a tour of the Olympic site recently and when you can see that taking shape you can see that it’s going to be fantastic.”
Norman has already had the honour of holding the iconic flame thanks to his involvement with local athletics. Although having just a momentary encounter with the torch, it is a moment he still cherishes.
“I remember getting to hold it for all of 30 seconds in 1992 before the Barcelona games,” he said. “I was president of the Perth Strathtay Harriers and I was honoured to hold it then.
“I cannot begin to imagine how honoured the person who gets to carry it through Dundee will feel.”
Photo London 2012.