A 94-year-old athlete from Carnoustie could pound the streets again after being nominated to carry the Olympic torch in the run-up to next year’s London games.
Runner Andy Coogan has been put forward for the honour by Olympic legend Sir Chris Hoy as one of the 8000 British citizens who will carry the torch as it tours the country ahead of the games next July.
Mr Coogan, who is still involved in Tayside athletics, was suggested to organisers by the four-time gold medal-winning cyclist as a tribute to his record as both a runner and a coach.
However, when he spoke to The Courier, Mr Coogan, a middle-distance runner, played down his chances of being awarded the honour.
He said, “I met Chris a few weeks ago in Edinburgh and I already had people interviewing me then. I’ve not heard anything officially yet and until I do I won’t believe it.
“I’m not one who goes about trying to get my name in the newspaper, though. I might carry it a short distance 100 yards.”
A second world war veteran and prisoner of war at the hands of the Japanese, Mr Coogan could never fulfil his own Olympic dream.
However, his career was notable in Scotland and his love for athletics is still evident today.
Mr Coogan said, “Chris Hoy used to come and watch me run as a young boy so I’ve known him since then.
“I’ve seen it all and I’ve met all of the champions from athletics, boxing and other sports. I’ve ran at Hampden Park and Ibrox Stadium in front of 90,000 people and I’ve even beaten world champions.”
Mr Coogan put forward a suggestion of his own for a local athlete to carry the torch 60-year-old Ronald McIntosh, a double amputee who still competes.
Mr Coogan said, “He’s a marvellous person and it would be fitting if he was allowed to carry the torch. I have great admiration for him.”
Sir Chris has also nominated former national cycling coach Geoff Cooke to be a torch runner.
He described Mr Cooke as an “unsung hero” of British cycling, helping both himself and many others get on track for success.
Sir Chris said, “You will never meet a person more enthusiastic and passionate about his sport always smiling and always keen to encourage people to enjoy riding their bikes.
“He helped out on many of my training sessions in earlier years and is one of the unsung heroes of British cycling over the last 50 years. I cannot think of anyone better to carry the torch.”
Mr Cooke, a former competitor, was “overwhelmed” to be nominated.
He has “lived and breathed track cycling all his life,” according to Sir Chris.
Mr Cooke said, “The thought of being part of the London 2012 Olympic torch relay is so exciting and I’m truly honoured to have been nominated to participate.”
The 8000-mile, 70-day relay will cover the length of Britain.
Sir Chris is urging people to nominate someone for a slot, via www.lloydstsb.com/carrytheflame.