Stephen Martin

I'd like to nominate my Dad to carry the olympic torch He represented Team GB at hockey in the 1984, 1988, and 1992 Olympic Games, winning bronze (84) and gold(88) medals. he captained the team to 6th place in '92. He is the most successful olympian from northern ireland and has inspired many generations of school kids to take up the sport of hockey in particular. Dad played 229 internationals , 135 for ireland and 94 times for GB and was in the guiness book of records. He also worked at the British Olympic Association from 1998-2006 as deputy chief executive and was deputy chef de mission with Team GB at Sydney, SaltLake, and Athens Olympic Games. During this period the BOA were instrumental in the London Bid process, and he was so pleased when the bid was won in Singapore in 2005. Even though he's very busy at work he coaches my school (sullivan upper) and my club (pegasus) ,weve made NI u15 finals in the past 2 years. He also coaches my brothers team Lisnagarvey 1st xi, and they made the all ireland finals this year and won the Ulster premier league title. My nan and grandad who are in the 80's, and never been to an Olympic Games, would be so proud especially with his background as an Olympic Medallist and someone who through his work at the BOA has brought the Games to the UK. My dad's an inspiration to me , my friends love him to bits, he's helped us so much, but the best thing is....he's my dad! Hannah Martin Aged 15