Ceremony Honour for Birthday Boy Callum
Written by RYA | 28 July 2012
RYA Youth Squad sailor Callum Airlie (second from right above) helps lights torch
Birthday boy sailor Callum Airlie had the best present ever as he was one of seven young athletes that played a key role in the lighting of the Olympic cauldron at the London 2012 Opening Ceremony last night.
The RYA 420 Youth Squad sailor, who was also celebrating his 17th birthday yesterday, was nominated to undertake the honour by double Olympic gold medal-winning sailor Shirley Robertson.
Callum has been sailing since the age of four and is a two-time Optimist UK national champion. He has been sailing a 420 for two years with crew Joseph Butterworth.This morning the member of East Lothian YC flew out of Austria to take part in the 420 World Championships at Lake Neusiedl.
Callum wrote on his Twitter page: “WWOOOOWWWWWWWW!! That was such an incredible birthday night! Feeling incredibly lucky to be picked now! :D”
The seven teenagers, who have all shown promise in their disciplines, ran around the Olympic Stadium track together after being passed the flame by Sir Steve Redgrave. The group, was joined by the seven Olympic heroes - including Sir Steve - for the final lighting of the cauldron with 260 of Britain`s greatest sportsmen and women.
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