Olympic torch will be carried by sporty Rob
Olympic torch carrier Rob Gomez with supporters outside Great Bowden Cricket Club. (Picture: Andrew Carpenter/001396-46)
A CRICKETER has received confirmation that he will carry the Olympic torch this summer.
Rob Gomez (44), of Harborough, was nominated for the prestigious honour in July last year but it has only just been confirmed to him that he will carry the torch.
Although there were three hopefuls from Harborough, including Robert Smyth student Sophie Bingham and Dean Barnett, so far only Mr Gomez has received confirmation.
He was told a couple of weeks ago by Lloylds TSB who organised the contest but has not yet had his route confirmed.
Mr Gomez is chairman of Bowden Cricket Club and he was put forward to carry the torch by friend and chairman of Great Bowden Parish Council, Paul Claxton.
Mr Gomez said: “I feel pretty good about it. I’m chuffed. It’s quite an honour.”
Friends, family and work colleagues have already said they will turn up on the day to offer their support.
Although Mr Gomez’s speciality is cricket he is getting in training to carry the torch despite the fact that he has just undergone a knee operation.
There is no cricket in the Olympics but Mr Gomez, who is a big fan of sport in general, is looking forward to the event.
He missed out on tickets to the Olympics but said being given an opportunity such as this is extra special.
Although Mr Gomez would ideally like to run through Harborough he said he is happy enough to run wherever as it is such an opportunity to be able to carry the torch.
Mr Gomez, who has played cricket for the Bowden club since he was 16 and been chairman for four years, was nominated partly for charity work.
He has cycled the length of Britain twice with friends in recent years, raising thousands of pounds for cancer charities.
It is expected the other Harborough hopefuls will hear confirmation of their places from the Olympic Committee in March.
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Friday 18 May 2012
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