Running 200 metres with the Olympic Torch will be no problem for Charles Lavington, a seat design engineer at NTCE in Cranfield.
The super fit 38 year-old loves a sporting challenge and they’re usually a little more demanding than carrying the Olympic flame through the streets of Belo Horizonte.
As experiences go though, they don’t come more special than playing a part in the build up to the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
And that’s why Charles, who lives in St Albans, can’t wait to get out there.
He said: “It’s going to be an amazing trip
“But you can go to Rio any time though. How many people can say they’ve run with the Olympic Torch?”
Charles was nominated for the honour by colleagues for his determination to push himself and test his fitness.
In 2014 he was part of a trio from NTCE who completed the Ride Across Britain – a 1,000-mile 9-day ride the length of Britain.
Between them the team raised an incredible £6,500 for the British Paralympic Association.
Since then he’s cycled from Normandy to Nice – a distance of 800 miles – and has tackled numerous triathlons.
He’s also competed in a half Iron Man event in Austria.
Charles’ stint as torchbearer will see him carry the flame for approximately 200 metres through the city of Belo Horizonte – the City of Beautiful Horizons – as part of its 95-day, 36,000km journey that will be seen by an estimated 90 percent of Brazil’s population.
This will be the highlight of an incredible five-day trip that will take in the sights of Rio and Belo Horizonte. He will be accompanied on the trip by his girlfriend Joanna.
Talking about his nomination for the honour, an excited Charles said: “It’s really touching to know that my colleagues took the time to nominate me.
“It’s an amazing opportunity and will be a real once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
