Boxing legend Muhammad Ali and former England football captain David Beckham appear increasingly likely to play a role in the Olympics opening ceremony, after flying into London four days before it takes place.
The pair will present an award at a reception on Tuesday night to mark the beginning of Beyond Sport, a conference devoted to the social impact of sport around the world.
Amid increasing speculation that the climax of the opening ceremony will feature a series of big names collaborating to light the cauldron, Ali and Beckham are expected to have a role of some kind.
Ali famously lit the Olympic flame at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta and Beckham, although left out of Stuart Pearce's Team GB football squad, has been promised significant roles at the Games by London 2012 chairman Lord Coe.
The question of who should light the cauldron has become a subject of furious debate, with Sir Steve Redgrave and Daley Thompson among the frontrunners. Given the emphasis on youth in London's bid, it is also expected that a younger athlete will play a role.
Team GB chef de mission Andy Hunt, who has some input into the decision, said at the weekend that it would be a "wow moment" and that a "mutually acceptable solution" had been found between the British Olympic Association and organisers Locog, whose ceremonies team have the biggest say.
Olympic triple jump gold medallist Jonathan Edwards, who sits on Locog's board, said on Monday that Coe should light the flame.
But Coe has already dismissed himself from the running and absented himself from the decision making process, although he has said he would favour his friend Thompson.
Beckham said that Ali was "one of the most inspirational sportsmen of all time".
Lonnie Ali added: "My husband's whole life has been an embodiment of the struggle for survival, change and justice, and he has used the power of sport to change lives and attitudes around the world."
BOA president Princess Anne and Coe welcomed IOC members to the capital on Monday with a performance at the Royal Opera House.
London mayor Boris Johnson also appeared, reciting an ode to the Games in ancient Greek, along with Plácido Domingo, singer Paloma Faith and dance troupe Zoo Nation – who performed in front of a backdrop of images from the 1908 and 1948 Games.
Princess Anne said: "We have dedicated the London Games from the outset to the athletes and hope to provide the best possible conditions for you and your teams in the week
No comments:
Post a Comment