Lakshmi Mittal

Let me begin by saying how excited I am to be one of the Olympic Torch bearers. After all, carrying the torch is a great honour and the closest possible direct association that someone can have with the Games, of course apart from being an athlete participating in it. As we all know, the Olympic Games are about a spirit of fair competition together with dogged determination to better oneself. This is applicable to just about everything that we do and need not necessarily be limited to the sports arena. When I think about parallels between myself and an Olympian, I believe that success in the world of business is underpinned by very similar principles of perseverance and hard work. The torch relay is an excellent embodiment of all that the Olympic Games have come symbolise - a celebration of the human spirit. Personally to me, it represents striving to be the best in whatever we do, never giving up despite the odds and a commitment to health and fitness. I hope that by carrying the torch I will be representing many other people who share these ideals with me. I also believe that by participating in this relay, I am representing the 270 thousand people around the world who are a part of the ArcelorMittal family. As a global company we are truly delighted to be associated with this global sporting event.