Andy Hart

Having competed at the Sydney Olympics, Andy retired from competitive athletics but continues to inspire younger athletes and to give his time freely. I am but a humble club runner with no great talent at all, but Andy has many times drawn up training schedules for my racing programme, accompanied me on my speed sessions (even though, for him, my flat-out pace is merely jogging) and never complains if I ask him dumb questions! He has time for everyone and has absolutely no arrogance at all. He was almost as proud to represent Coventry Godiva in the 12 Stage as he was to represent GB. Andy is a teacher, and I know from speaking to his pupils and ex-pupils that not only is he immensely popular, he has the knack of getting the best out of everyone, not only those with sporting prowess. Unlike my PE teachers, who praised the ones at the front and shouted at the ones at the back, Andy knows that the ones at the front have it easy (or at least easier); it's the ones at the back who need the attention. Andy is also a staunch family man, and likes nothing better than to invite friends and family over for one of his famous BBQs. He has a wicked sense of humour but can also take jokes against himself, so time spent with him and his family is always guaranteed to be relaxing and full of laughter. Andy deserves to bear the torch because he is one of those people who could trade on past glory, but doesn't, and who therefore deserves to have the light shined back on them.