Sir Roger Bannister was first up in blazer and tie, avoiding the Moonie
pyjamas that all other torch bearers have had to wear. Sir Steve Redgrave,
the bookmakers’ favourite, then rowed with the flame in Henley, though Coe
was on his way to Windsor by then to greet the flame along with the Queen.

All three are in the running, but director Danny Boyle may be thinking more
creatively than this stellar shortlist.

White elephant could be left to graze in Park

The interminable Olympic Stadium saga could nudge a step closer to its
conclusion this week, with bids from potential tenants due to be lodged with
the London Legacy Development Corporation tomorrow.

West Ham
remain the leading candidate to move into the stadium, but there are major
issues concerning the cost of fitting a new roof and placing seats over the
track to overcome.

A bigger challenge to the LLDC is the International Broadcast Centre, a vast
facility with no obvious legacy use, that looks likely to become the real
white elephant of the London Games.