College Students in a Blaze of Glory

Ben Bowns with the Olympic torch, image courtesy of Doncaster Free Press.

Thousands of enthusiastic well-wishers thronged the streets of Doncaster to welcome the Olympic Torch as it arrived in the town on its marathon journey around the country.

University Centre Doncaster student Ben Bowns and ex- Doncaster College student Simon Wheatcroft played their part in an extraordinary day. Both men had the honour of carrying the Olympic flame in front of family, friends and crowds of excited onlookers

Ben Bowns ,(21) a sports science student, carried the flame through Warmsworth and Simon Wheatcroft, who was an Access to Higher Education student, ran his 300-metre stint with the Torch in Armthorpe.

Ben, as well as being a student, is an outstanding prospect in ice hockey and has just signed for Hull Stingrays. He already has a clutch of honours including netminder of the tournament at the World Under 20 Championships, and this year he was selected for the senior Great Britain Squad for the World Championships.

He was chosen to be a torch bearer because of his passion for sport and fitness, his concern about rising obesity levels and the general lack of health awareness in the town, and he firmly believes that if young people participate in and enjoy sport there is more chance that they will go on to lead healthy lifestyles.

Ben from Mexborough helps to coach young players at his local club and has helped with the School of Excellence coaching scheme.

Simon Wheatcroft with Olympic Torch, image courtesy of Doncaster Free Press

Simon, (30) from Rossington is a visually impaired, ultra marathon runner, and is currently studying at university in Sheffield

“I was nominated to carry the torch off the back of my ultra running," said Simon. "Bored in 2010 I decided to take up running, eight months later I entered my first race, a 100-mile run through the hills of the Cotswolds.

“Being blind, I mastered training alone outdoors. By memorising a six-mile route I trained relentlessly outdoors in order to begin competing at the ultra distance.

"This resulted in a nomination from one of my guide runners who help me to compete. It was a wonderful surprise to find I had been nominated and I will forever be grateful to them for it."