Home News Columnists Tony Jeffries
Torch snub is hard to bear
Feb 19 2012 by Tony Jeffries, Sunday Sun
I WAS, and still am, very disappointed I will not be carrying the Olympic Torch when it comes to the North East this summer, especially as it passes through my home town of Sunderland.
Without trying to blow my own trumpet, I am Sunderland’s first and only Olympic medalist from any sport.
I am officially a proud ambassador of the city, attracting national television crews when I have fought four times as a professional on the undercards of big title fights there.
When I heard the torch was travelling through the city my family and friends were telling me, “It has to be you who carries it for a period of time.”
When I thought about it I thought, “Yeah, it has to be really.”
I would definitely fly back from the USA to do that as I know I will not be fighting at that time.
I asked my sister to try and get confirmation from the council about it so I could book a flight.
She received an email back saying the people bearing the torch already know who they are.
They had to apply by the end of December and it was out of their hands.
They agreed they would like me to be part of it.
I feel a bit daft for automatically thinking they would choose me, but I would be lying if I said I was not gutted.
Copyright and Trade Mark Notice © 2012 owned by or licensed to ncjMedia Limited. Sunday Sun™ is a trade mark of ncjMedia Limited. Please read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Statement before using this site.