London, Jul 11: A five-time British Olympic rowing gold medalist and the first man to break the four minute mile were among those that carried the Olympic torch on day 53 of the relay on Tuesday.
Roger Bannister carried the Olympic torch across the finish line of the Oxford track where he became the first runner to break the four-minute barrier for the mile 58 years ago.
The 83-year-old Bannister was cheered by hundreds as he walked 30 meters (yards) along the track.
He handed the torch to an Oxford student who then ran a full lap around the track.
Bannister described the opportunity to carry the Olympic torch as a “great honour.”
At Henley-on-Thames, five-time Olympic rowing gold medalist Steve Redgrave carried the torch in his left hand and an oar in his right as he helped steer a boat to the Leander rowing club, in front of thousands of spectators.
It may not be the last time as Redgrave is rumored to be the favourite to light the cauldron at the opening ceremony.
The event was slightly marred by police having to arrest a naked man, who streaked past crowds just before Redgrave received the torch.
Day 53 of the relay ended with the flame visiting Windsor Castle for an audience with Queen Elizabeth II.
The torch is winding its way eight thousand miles (12,900 kilometers) across the country ahead of the July 27-August 12 Olympics.
Organisers say the flame should come within 10 miles (16 kilometers) of 95 percent of the population.
