Ten years ago, 900 million people around the world watched the London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony. A decade on, Desiree Henry has told us what it was like to be one of those to light the Olympic cauldron.
For an hour and a half, they tried to work it out.
The tallest of the seven revealed he had won a medal at the junior rowing world championships. One of the group was a national champion sailor. But another wasn't an athlete at all. He led youth causes and volunteer groups.Danny Boyle strode into the room and introduced himself as the director of the London 2012 opening ceremony."He said he had an idea that we seven would light the Olympic cauldron. We were all astonished. I think I let out a massive gasp.
Sir Steve Redgrave, Sir Roger Bannister, David Beckham, Bradley Wiggins, and the Queen featured in the pre-Games betting market. Speculation was rife, but none of it was right. No-one guessed that at London 2012 - whose tagline promised to 'inspire a generation' - the honour would instead fall to a group of unknowns.
After the Queen's 'skydive' with James Bond, after Mr Bean tapped out Chariots of Fire, after the nurses danced and Dizzee Rascal rapped, it was Henry's moment. "If you watch it back, you can see the concentration in my face making sure the gas is open and my torch lights.""My dad and sisters were in shock!" remembered Henry. "They were extremely happy and proud for me, but on the other hand they could not believe I had hidden such a big secret. I had to say it wasn't my decision!"I am from Edmonton.
"Those guys remembered me! It was like the people's child had grown up, but is still doing athletics and is doing her best!"New steps towards inspiring another next generation could be made on Thursday, when Birmingham's refurbished and expanded Alexander Stadium hosts the Commonwealth Games' opening ceremony.
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