Spooner's Newell to Carry Olympic Torch

Steve Newell, director of Spooner Industries Ltd, U.K., providers of air flotation and impingement dryers, coolers, and Air Turns, has been selected as one of the U.K.'s inspirational individuals to carry the Olympic Torch as part of London 2012 Olympics. Newell last year completed one of the hardest endurance events there is—the Ironman U.K., which consists of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride, and 26.2 mile run. He completed the mammoth challenge in under 14 hr,, raising more than £1,400 for cancer research.

Newell was chosen by organizers of the London Olympics after being nominated by his colleagues at Spooner Industries, for helping to raise £10,000 through competing in triathlons and other sporting events as well as putting himself forward for "director punishments," which included being placed in the stocks for comic relief.

Newell, 46, said that "I was already excited about the Olympics coming to the U.K., but to play a part in it by being chosen as a torchbearer is more than I could have wished for."

The torchbearers will carry the Olympic Flame during its 8,000 mile journey around the U.K. before it arrives at the Olympic Stadium this July 27 for the lighting of the cauldron at the opening ceremony, signifying the official start of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

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