Who will light the Olympic flame?

[milanessa]

The torch has to be lit by a former, current, or representing future Olympian or paralympians. I found this when researching for Vancouver. So that excludes several people such as Her Majesty. Princess Anne could do it but I doubt she will.
It also excludes the actors, politicians etc.

I don't see anything like that in the IOC documents I found online. It's customary but not required as far as I can tell. Do you have a link?

At Lillehammer our crown prince Haakon had the honor to lit up our gigantic soft ice cone, and he never competed in the Olympics. Maybe it was ok since both his father and grandfather did? Or maybe just because he was really royal? He was very cute tough, and very Norwegian in his native outfit

[A.H.Black]

The torch has to be lit by a former, current, or representing future Olympian or paralympians. I found this when researching for Vancouver. So that excludes several people such as Her Majesty. Princess Anne could do it but I doubt she will.
It also excludes the actors, politicians etc.

At Lillehammer our crown prince Haakon had the honor to lit up our gigantic soft ice cone, and he never competed in the Olympics. Maybe it was ok since both his father and grandfather did? Or maybe just because he was really royal? He was very cute tough, and very Norwegian in his native outfit

In 1988 it was a school girl - Robin Perry. Unless the rules have changed since 1994, I don't think it is required to have an Olympic athlete light the torch. Having said that, I strongly feel like it should be an athlete.

[Fergus]

^ From HRH's Wikipedia page:

He has also been part of Olympics ceremonies. In 1994, the Crown Prince and his father played roles during the opening ceremony in Lillehammer. While the King declared open the Games, the Crown Prince lit the cauldron, paying tribute to his father and grandfather having served as Olympians.

Sort of a stretch, but it was a charming moment, nonetheless.

[alij]

Another name I have heard in the running is David Bond. He is the last living British Olympic Gold medallist from the 1948 Olympics.

Personally I want Redgrave but would settle for Thompson or Bond.

[Murdoch]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/oly...-ceremony.html

This gives potential insight. I like the idea of the five rings if it is true.

[os168]

Wow.... the thought of Muhammad Ali or Aung San Suu Kyi might be involved as part of the 5 ring is an interesting idea! Though would hard not to appear political. I'd love to add Pele to the list or maybe Nelson Mandela (Invictus) if possible? Then Steve Redgrave makes 5. Or maybe they can do one from each continent?

London is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world and it would be great if it can celebrate that diversity with an all encompassing representation for the 5 rings. Who's the most famous female Olympian for Summer Olympics?

In track and field - UK has Paula Radcliffe, Tanni Grey-Thompson (Paralympics 11 gold)? Or maybe the greatest gymnast, Nadia Comaneci; or a Tennis player Billie Jean King. Stephie G (though itself is not a classic Olympic event).

[milanessa]

Whatever they do I can't see it topping Barcelona. I never saw that one coming so maybe there is something more spectacular out there. If not, I'm sure it will be creative and fun.

[SHARPIE]

Whatever they do I can't see it topping Barcelona.

That will always be my favourite too - Fecking all sorts of AWESOME !

And sorry to be rude, but I really dont want to see any foreign athletes involved in the flame lighting. So you can take your Billie Jean King and Muhammed Ali talk and shove them where the sun dont shine

[skatesindreams]

Whatever they do I can't see it topping Barcelona. I never saw that one coming so maybe there is something more spectacular out there. If not, I'm sure it will be creative and fun.

Indeed!
Talk about unexpected.
It was fabulous.

[poths]

Maybe they could have Tanni Grey Thompson wheel the torch in and then she stands up to light the cauldron. That would be impressive.

Oh my God, Fred.

I am freaked out.

http://www.athleticsweekly.com/messa...tart=90#p68273

I wrote that yesterday!!!

[poths]

And sorry to be rude, but I really dont want to see any foreign athletes involved in the flame lighting. So you can take your Billie Jean King and Muhammed Ali talk and shove them where the sun dont shine

Do the Welsh Rugby team have a legitimate shot??/ At least they win shit!

[allezfred]

Oh my God, Fred.

I am freaked out.

http://www.athleticsweekly.com/messa...tart=90#p68273

I wrote that yesterday!!!

PML! Great mind think alike and err...

[AnnieD]

That will always be my favourite too - Fecking all sorts of AWESOME !

And sorry to be rude, but I really dont want to see any foreign athletes involved in the flame lighting. So you can take your Billie Jean King and Muhammed Ali talk and shove them where the sun dont shine

I feel exactly the same. We'll never get the Olympics again here in Britain again in most of our lifetimes. It should be someone from Britain that gets to do it, it's not like the opportunity will come up again.

I'd really like to see it be Steve Redgrave but I don't know if they'll go for him because it seems too obvious (which I suppose isn't the best reason for not choosing him but if they're going for an unexpected wow factor then I doubt he will be chosen).

[my little pony]

And sorry to be rude, but I really dont want to see any foreign athletes involved in the flame lighting. So you can take your Billie Jean King and Muhammed Ali talk and shove them where the sun dont shine

i dont think it is rude, the ceremony should be all british. i would be disappointed if some rude 'merikkun lit the flame.

[suep1963]

Same here--host country, host country flame lighter

[bardtoob]

Sharpie better have her Bic ready.

[SHARPIE]

I'll also to infinity if it's some snotty schoolkid from a 'deprived' area or something.

Im kind of thinking it will be as the whole bid campaign was centred around inspiring children to take up sport. Ugh.

[FiveRinger]

That will always be my favourite too - Fecking all sorts of AWESOME !

And sorry to be rude, but I really dont want to see any foreign athletes involved in the flame lighting. So you can take your Billie Jean King and Muhammed Ali talk and shove them where the sun dont shine

No offense taken here. I look forward to the Opening Ceremonies every four years BECAUSE they are unique to the host nation. My dream is to see one live. I can't wait to see what the Brits have put together!

[FiveRinger]

No offense taken here. I look forward to the Opening Ceremonies every four years BECAUSE they are unique to the host nation. My dream is to see one live. I can't wait to see what the Brits have put together!

And lighting the caldron is an honor that should be left to an Olympian. Period. The end.

[SHARPIE]

Oh I dunno, the psycho bloke from the Prodigy would be fun! 'Im a firestarter.... twisted firestarter'