Mystery still surrounds identity of flame lighter

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TOP OF THE WORLD: Torch bearer Amelia Hempleman-Adams, age 17, stands on top of a capsule on the London Eye as part of the torch relay ahead of the London 2012 Olympic Games in London. — Reuters photo

LONDON: Confusion still surrounded the identity of the person who will light the Olympic flame at the London 2012 opening ceremony, with a senior official appearing to contradict himself Saturday over whether anyone had yet been chosen for the role.

Reports have suggested there has been a row between the British Olympic Association (BOA) and London 2012 as to who should receive the honour.

Former Olympic champions Sir Steve Redgrave, Daley Thompson and Dame Kelly Holmes are among the British sporting greats who have been linked with the role, as has Sir Roger Bannister, the fi rst man to run a mile in under four minutes.

BOA chief executive Andy Hunt refused to say whether the person chosen would be an Olympian, but said Saturday: “The debate is ongoing.

We have a mutually agreeable solution — a good solution to the outcome.

“We are still in final discussions.” Asked if there had be en disagreements, he added: “It’s all very positive. It’s a big topic.

“The decision between the two organisations is joint — it’s a joint decision between LOCOG (The London Organising Committee for the Games) and the BOA.

“Clearly the ceremonies committee, which is made up Danny Boyle and the ceremonies team, will make a recommendation and has made recommendations and we can choose to support or not to support the recommendations.  It’s an act of dialogue.” — AFP