Teenage athlete James Taylor wins fight to carry Olympic Flame
TEENAGE athlete James Taylor has won his fight to carry the Olympic Flame – after organisers overturned their ban.
The 17-year-old was kicked off the London 2012 torch relay after failing Home Office checks, despite having no criminal record.
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James Taylor
But games organiser Locog has now reversed its decision, following an appeal by James's family.
Now James, pictured, will carry the Olympic Flame through London before Friday's opening ceremony.
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The teenager, who was due to run with the torch through Stafford in May after being nominated by UK Athletics, is delighted.
James, of Harding Terrace, Stoke, said: "I'm pleased they've realised they made a mistake.
"It feels like my name has finally been cleared. I was starting to lose hope, because it was getting so close to the Olympics.
"I knew I hadn't done anything wrong. It will be good to be part of the torch relay, but I'm disappointed that all my friends and family won't be able to see me like they would have in Stafford."
James was nominated for the relay after winning a silver medal in the 4x100m at the European Olympic Festival in Turkey last year. The Newcastle College student also reached the top of the UK under-17 rankings for 60m hurdles.
Dad Dave Taylor, aged 55, said: "We're just glad they've sorted it out.
"It has been upsetting what has been said about James by other people.
"We always knew it was just a big mistake by Locog."
Stoke-on-Trent Central MP Tristram Hunt has been lobbying the Home Office and Locog on James's behalf.
Bill Morris, Locog's director of ceremonies and live sites, wrote to Mr Hunt to tell him James would be allowed back onto the relay.
Mr Morris wrote: "Due to changes in circumstances, I am pleased that James now has clearance to run with the torch."
Locog has not revealed what 'circumstances' have changed in James's case.
Mr Hunt said: "I think James's treatment through this process has been very bad indeed. Unfortunately his name has been tarnished, but it's very good to see that we've managed to clear it up.
"I hope that James is offered a good slot on the relay. To be involved in the final week before the Olympic Games will be a great honour."
The Olympic Flame was due to arrive in London this morning, having travelled around the country for 63 days.
Locog has yet to decide when and where James will carry the torch.
A spokesman said a number of contingency slots were kept open for unforeseeable events.
Comments
by Cooljules720
Wednesday, July 25 2012, 10:25PM
“Notice to all the negative commentators, you know nothing of what James and the family have been through on the process of torch, and yes if you think that fighting for what you believe in and know to be true is called "brown nosing" then I am the No.1 brown noser as you like to call me and proud of it. I said I would see it through to the end and I did. You can have, and you are entitled to your opinions on the article but you & your comments mean nothing to me. You obviously didnt read my comment properly as I wrote it was "to all those in the forum who had SUPPORTED JAMES"
So save your rude comments for someone who really does give a damn, they are wasted on me!!!”
by Malcko
Sunday, July 22 2012, 9:43PM
“WilkesyJ- it was not directed towards you, I am focusing on a young lad, who has done nothing wrong and was publicly made a mockery of (re- previous articles on James), and it appears that sadly people are still doing so. We should celebrate his family has won the right for him to run with the torch and represent our city and country. As a parent its awful and yes "nightmarish" to not be able to protect your child from cruel snipes when he/she has done nothing wrong.”
by WilkesyJ
Sunday, July 22 2012, 9:26PM
“Not being negative, just think that maybe a bit of perspective is in order.
House burning down/ death of a loved one/ family breakdown = ''nightmare of an ordeal''
Not being allowed to mince around with a big firelighter = not that much of an issue, really.”
by Malcko
Sunday, July 22 2012, 9:16PM
“Perhaps individuals who are going to insult a young persons aspirations should at least do so in a more articulate manner. This local modern role model should be encouraged to strive for his dreams. Keep up the hard work James, you clearly have a strong foundation of support, the rest will be what you. Negative comments from whimsical fools should not upset you, but motivate you, remember that. I'm glad your name has been publicly cleared and I wish you all the best for your future events.”
by truestokie
Sunday, July 22 2012, 2:08PM
“What a joke.
Can not be bothered with foreign athletes parachuted in to the "London2012" olympics and all the false hype.
This was supposed to represent all the countries athletic abilities yet it has descended into money, greed, and coruption.”
by camband
Saturday, July 21 2012, 11:52PM
“Go on Wilkesy girl -you tell 'em.”
by camband
Saturday, July 21 2012, 11:51PM
“'sad' is for some -a figure of speech, rolled out whenever other people get emotional, or 'too emotional' -in their own way of thinking.
It's become a buzz word. i.e. 'how sad is that'? Throwaway words. Meaningless.”
by qtess
Saturday, July 21 2012, 11:38PM
“looks like your mothers done alot of brown noseing for you,,,
how very said that this is even written about as `news`..
cant believe what the world is coming to,, what a sad life you both must lead,,
why not focus your attentions on things that really matter..
,, tis will give you something to talk about ay love,,,, nd thats what its all about,,
over and out,,,, very sad”
by WilkesyJ
Saturday, July 21 2012, 8:00PM
“"Nightmare of an ordeal"??? Get a grip....”
by Goach
Saturday, July 21 2012, 7:52PM
“Its good that his name has been cleared but I would be tempted to tell them stick it where the sun don't shine now though.”