Olympic Opening Ceremony Torch Lighter: Previewing Potential Candidates

We are just days away from the opening ceremonies at the 2012 London Olympics, and Great Britain has yet to choose the individual who will light the torch.

That's certainly not a bad thing, though. Lighting the torch is a prestigious honor, and picking the right person to represent the host country with that particular honor is an incredibly important decision. 

You want someone who has truly dedicated him or herself to the country. Someone who has put it all on the line to bring gold back for his or her home. Someone who best exemplifies national pride.

Fortunately, it appears Great Britain is close to choosing someone for the job (via New Straits Times):

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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 first man to run a mile in under four minutes.

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Let's take a closer look at the likely candidates.

Sir Steve Redgrave

When you become knighted, that's when you know you've made it big time. And Sir Steve has more than made it big time. 

Redgrave, who is widely considered to be Great Britain's greatest Olympian of all-time, took home gold in rowing in five straight Olympic Games from 1984 to 2000.

The 50-year-old is one of only four Olympians ever to accomplish that feat. He has to be considered the favorite to light the torch. 

Sir Roger Bannister

Bannister, in my opinion, is a close second to Mr. Redgrave.

The talented runner—who is now unbelievably 83 years old—suffered disappointment at the 1952 Olympics, but less than two years later, he got redemption in the sweetest way. 

Bannister became the first man ever to run the mile in less than four minutes. He gained national fame and was awarded the inaugural Sportsman of the Year award by Sports Illustrated.

When you think of running, you immediately think Roger Bannister. He is one of the most famous athletes of all time, and he brings a great amount of pride to the people of Great Britain.

Daley Thompson

Decathletes don't necessarily get much praise. But when it comes down to it, those who are able to compete in the amazing competition are some of the best athletes in the world. Thompson did more than complete.

En route to establishing himself as arguably the greatest decathlete of all time, Thompson grabbed gold at both the 1980 and 1984 Olympic Games.

Throw in four world records and six other gold medals in various World Games, and Thompson would be fine a pick for the British.

Dame Kelly Holmes

Holmes took home gold in the 800-meter and 1500-meter in 2004 in Athens, and she holds six British records in various other races. She is arguably the greatest all-around runner in the country's history. 

Not only is she a fantastic athlete, though, Holmes is just as good of a human being. She established the Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust, a charity that sets out to help the young people of the world.

She might be an underdog against some of the other candidates, but there's no doubting she deserves the honor just as much. 

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