Grammar school student Emma carries Olympic torch in Exeter

Wednesday, 23 May 2012

by Francesca Evans

COLYTON Grammar School student Emma McLean was one of the lucky few to carry the Olympic Torch over the weekend.
Sixth form student Emma, 18, from Seaton, carried the torch through Exeter on Sunday evening. She ran along Topsham Road from its junction with Barrack Road to Rivermead Road, opposite County Hall.
Speaking of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Emma said she was not nervous to take part in the relay but was overwhlemed at the start of her stint.
“It was a bit overwhelming because there were so many people there all wanting to have their photographs taken with me,” she said.
“One little child asked his mum if the torch bearers were real people!
“It was over really quickly. I didn’t wave much but I managed to run the whole leg of 300 metres holding the torch one handed – it weighs about the same as a bag of sugar.
“Afterwards, all the torchbearers were picked up by a special bus and taken to a car park where the torches were decommissioned – their burners are removed.
“Apparently they tried to do it in front of the crowds the day before in Plymouth, but they were mobbed.”
Emma now gets to keep her torch and her running uniform at home as a souvenir.
Emma, who is currently on study leave to prepare for her A-levels, was nominated for her voluntary contribution to the local community and her dedication to her school work. She volunteers for Seaton Rainbows, the Cinnamon Trust and the Elisabeth Svendsen Trust at Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary as well as acting as a sixth form prefect and fundraising at school events.

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