Andrew to carry Olympic torch

Pleased as punch: Thai boxer Andrew Lofthouse has been chosen to carry the Olympic torch

A CHAMPION Thai boxer and former Pride in Oldham winner has become one of the first in the country to be unveiled as an Olympic torch bearer.

It was a proud moment for 20-year-old Andrew Lofthouse as he was offered the chance to carry the iconic flame on its journey across the country for the London 2012 Games.

The unstoppable young man from Fitton Hill is not only at the top of his game, travelling the world to compete in Thai boxing tournaments, he also helps care for his mother who battles with severe health problems.

His efforts and hard graft have now been rewarded as he’ll get to carry the torch on a 300-metre stretch as part of its 70-day relay on the road to next summer’s games.

Andrew, who won a gold medal in Muay Thai kickboxer at the World Championships in 2010, said: “It just goes to show it doesn’t matter what background you come from you can achieve so much in life.

“It’s outstanding to be part of the Olympics and I can’t wait to be out there representing Fitton Hill — it’ll certainly give me a story to tell. My family are over the moon.”

With a rack of medals and titles under his belt Andrew is now an instructor at the Hathershaw-based Siam Camp club.

He was one of the lucky ones to be chosen after 60,000 hopefuls were nominated across the UK. He hopes to be a shining example to all his young trainees as the torch is carried through Oldham on June 24. There is, however, one slight problem.

“I hate running,” joked Andrew. I can do 15 minutes straight fighting in the ring but I can’t run, I’ll have to do some training!

“It’ll certainly be an honour. When I first started I was the smallest kid you could see and a lot of people said I wouldn’t stick at it or go far. I was determined to show them I would.”

In 2007 he was handed a Pride In Oldham award in the special achievement category for juggling his successful hobby with caring for his family.

But while this year’s crop of finalists attending the ceremony tonight, Andrew will be jetting off to Uzbekistan for his next major fixture. During the four-day stay he’ll face a Russian opponent during a martial arts festival.