Welton man will carry the Olympic torch in Brazil

Mark Coupe, from Welton, was nominated as part of a competition run by Nissan – the official automotive partners of the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games – for his work in the local community.

The 52-year-old senior engineer is actively involved in the youth development team at St Lawrence Church in Long Buckby, volunteers with the Christian Motorcyclists’ Association and is secretary of the annual Welton village pantomime.

He will carry the Olympic flame for approximately 200 metres through the city of Belo Horizonte as part of its 95-day, 36,000km journey that will be seen by an estimated 90 percent of Brazil’s population.

His stint as a torchbearer will be the highlight of an incredible five-day trip that will take in the sights of Rio and Belo Horizonte.

Mark will be accompanied on the trip by his 19 year-old daughter, Frances.

An excited Mark, who leads the team responsible for lights, mirrors, wipers and wash systems at Nissan’s European Technical Centre in Bedfordshire, said: “When I was told I had been selected to go on the trip it was a bit hard to believe. It was a real wow moment.

“Now it’s had time to sink in but I’m still buzzing.”

He added: “I don’t think I would have been interested if it had just been a corporate hospitality trip. But being chosen to carry the Olympic torch on its momentous journey is such an amazing honour – I simply can’t wait.

“All-in-all, it’s going to be an amazing trip with lots of fantastic experiences but carrying the torch will be the undoubted highlight for me.”