Fitness enthusiast, Muriel Brown, has been given a birthday present to remember. The great-grandmother from the village of Uppermill in Saddleworth, Oldham has been chosen to carry the Olympic torch. Muriel was told the exciting news that she was to fulfil her dream of brandishing the iconic flame during her 81st birthday celebrations.
Sprightly Muriel has a long and consistent record of staying fit and healthy. A three-times marathon runner, she joined the East Cheshire Harriers back in 1948. She went on to excel as a runner, sometimes training for up to 80 hours a week, and taking gold in the World Championships 10k race for the over 50s in the south of France. Sport continues to play a large part in her life. She can often be found enjoying yoga and aqua fit classes at the gym, and walking or jogging around Saddleworth.
Muriel will carry out her once-in-a-lifetime task as an Olympic torchbearer on 25 June 2012 between Leeds and Sheffield. She will be one of 8000 people from across the country that have been chosen to carry the torch for the London 2012 Olympic Games, and hopes it will prove to others the positive effect that sport can have on people of all ages.
The fitness fanatic is expecting to take it all in her stride having also carried the baton for the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games. The Oldham resident remembers the experience fondly and is looking forward to doing it all again on a much grander scale in the Olympic procession.