The 8,000-strong relay team that will carry the Olympic Torch on its journey across Britain features four people from The University of Nottingham.

The four were nominated for the role after proving an inspiration for others.

Research fellow Dannie Carpenter and students Taylor Amerman, Chris Hill and Sam van de Schootbrugge carried the torch on its historic journey through Nottingham over June 28 and 29.

“I have always loved the Olympics, but due to ongoing medical problems I have only ever been able to watch them from afar,” said Chris Hill, a part-time PhD student in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering. “I am delighted to be involved and will always be grateful to the friends who nominated me.”

He added:  “I love the Olympics for its values of respect, excellence and friendship. As I passed the flame on, I really hoped that the flame and the Olympics could continue to inspire everyone to show friendship and respect to one another.”

Dannie, from the School of Biology, said she hoped her taking part would show people that you don’t need to be brilliant or naturally skilled to play sports.

She said: “As captain of Beeston Hockey Club 7th team I’m just an ordinary person who enjoys sport. I don’t excel at it, but I do enjoy it.

“Being part of a sports team is such a positive thing. Apart from the exercise and good friends, being part of a team really gives you confidence. The fact I am going to be seven months’ pregnant when I run with the torch will hopefully inspire people too.”

International swimmer Sam van de Schootbrugge was selected for his achievements and for his volunteer work as a children’s swimming coach.

“The chance to carry the flame was an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It was completely unexpected and it is nice to be recognised for my achievements. For people to be inspired by what I do is such a privilege, to be seen as a role model is something you dream of when you are younger. For me, the key has always been to enjoy what you are doing. I hope people will be inspired to get involved in sport, help their community and see that you will always be rewarded for doing good things in life.”

Taylor Amerman, studying for a masters in Corporate Social Responsibility, said: “As an international student, I wanted to engage with the local community and make a difference. I’ve been fortunate enough to have a lot of blessings in my life and I want to give back by inspiring others.

“I was very surprised, excited, honoured and humbled to be selected. I have received other honours in my life, but this was by far the biggest because it was a reflection of my character and values. It is a true honour to be selected as someone who will inspire Britain.”

Taylor added: “The relay was unreal. It was inspiring, exciting, energetic, humbling, and motivational. From receiving the flame from someone with a disability, to running past my family and friends, having complete strangers cheering you on, being on a bus with phenomenal community leaders, taking pictures with little kids, and feeling like a member of the Nottingham community. There were definitely tears and it was an experience that I will NEVER forget!”

“Carrying the Olympic torch was an amazing experience, and one which I will never forget,” said Sam. “It was also an emotional experience, as it was lovely to see everyone so enthusiastic about seeing the torch. I was proud and honoured to carry the torch, as it is great to be recognised for my achievements and my help in the community.

Dannie added: “It was so much more special than I could imagine. There was such a fantastic atmosphere among the crowd, loads of families out and everyone was full of enthusiasm for the Torch and also for me. It was so lovely to that so many of my friends and family were there and I enjoyed every minute of the run.”

Visit: http://tiny.cc/Torch

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