Cameron Stephen hoping for Olympic games double
An Angus teenager is making a bid for Olympic glory in one of the biggest fast food restaurants in the world.
- By Marjory Inglis
- Published in the Courier : 31.08.11
- Published online : 03.09.11 @ 12.02pm
Cameron Stephen from Monifieth is in with a chance to carry the Olympic torch in the relay across Britain thanks to his charity heroics but now has his eyes on another prize.
Cameron wants to work in one of the McDonald's restaurants that will be built in the Olympic village in London.
The 18-year-old, who works part-time at the McDonald's restaurant in Monifieth, is up against international competition but first has to earn his local restaurant's employee of the month title.
Meanwhile, Cameron is already being considered for the Olympic torch opportunity after proud mum Jackie nominated her younger son after his heroic efforts at a charity endurance event.
The whole Stephen family have been going through a tough time as Jackie's husband Les battles cancer for the second time.
Determined to put a brave face on the situation and stay positive, Les signed up for the Maggie's Monster Bike and Hike, a gruelling course over 73 miles between Fort William and Inverness.
His older son Adam (21) also signed up but Cameron was just three weeks too young for the event, which stipulated participants had to be 18.
The family got behind Cameron and made a plea for him to be able to join the event, which took place over 24 hours on April 30/May 1.
A special case was made and Cameron joined the Monifieth Men, his dad's team. The boy gave his all, completing the full 73 miles before collapsing and requiring medical attention.
"I was so proud of him," said Jackie. "I saw people getting put forward to carry the Olympic flame and I wanted to nominate Cameron for what he did. I have just got an email to say he is through to the next round (of selection)."
When his mum got excited about her nomination being accepted and Cameron being put forward for a chance to carry the torch, the teenager told her about McDonald's offer to its staff.
McDonald's are building three of their biggest restaurants worldwide at the London Olympics, to serve competitors, staff and the public.
The employee of the month title is renamed Olympic Champion, reflecting the burger chain's sponsorship of the London Olympics.
The winning employees from around the world will get the chance to join trials in a top McDonald's restaurant and the best will be chosen to staff the Olympic village restaurants.
Jackie said: "He wants to get employee of the month so he can be in with a chance to go to London. The staff working in the Olympic village will get put up in a five star hotel and get a back stage pass to the Olympics."
Mark Webster, the manager of Monifieth McDonald's, said he wished Cameron well in his bid to serve at the Olympics but warned he would be up against strong performers on his own patch and, if he goes through to the trials, would meet top staff from around the world vying for a place in the Olympic village restaurants.
"He is a really lovely member of staff, very, very friendly," said Mark.
Cameron works part time in McDonald's and is about to start a business management course at Abertay University. The Monifieth Men raised almost £7000 for Maggie's.
