Many suitable candidates to light the flame in London

Sir, – Who will light the Olympic flame? Who will take that unique and memorable climb up the steps into the night sky, light the flame and, with the torch raised, turn and face the wildly cheering, packed stadium and the world? What an unforgettable and rare moment for one individual.

In 1946 at the White City in London, before 50,000 people, Gundar Hagg, a very fine Swedish runner, beat Sydney Wooderson in a mile race, and in the crowd that day was a certain Roger Bannister – and the rest is history.

Sydney Wooderson was favourite to light the flame at the 1948 Olympics. Who was Sydney Wooderson? It was often said that at 5ft 5in and wearing spectacles, he didn’t look a runner, but what a runner he was.

At one time he held the world records for the half-mile and mile, and was the 1946 European 5,000 metres champion and the English national cross-country champion. What a spread of talents.

On the selection committee to pick the person to light the flame was the late Queen Mother, and it was alleged she said: “We can’t have poor, little Sydney lighting the flame.” And so he missed out and it was given to someone who was more athletically pleasing. What a travesty of justice.

I think I am right in saying that at about 92 and almost blind, he was made a MBE. What an insult.

There are many suitable candidates this time. There are many to choose from, but who will be the lucky one to be called? – Yours etc,

Duncan Davidson

Elgin.