Yahoo News Islander transfers Olympic flame to football legend in Strasbourg
An Isle of Wight woman has passed the Olympic flame to retired Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, in Strasbourg.
Emily Scadgell, 30, from Freshwater, carried the flame 400 metres through the Alsace city, on the penultimate leg of the Relais de la Flamme before the Paris Games, later this month.
When she is not taking part in international events, Emily works for the Ellen MacArthur Foundation in Cowes. She studied sports science at Loughborough University.
This week, Emily travelled to Strasbourg with her fiancé, Josh Hibberd, completed her walk, transferred the flame to Arsene Wenger, and returned to the UK, to head to Glastonbury Festival.
Emily Scadgell in Strasbourg, with the Olympic flame (Image: Relais de la Flamme)
Emily Scadgell in Strasbourg, with the Olympic flame (Image: Emily Scadgell)
When their transfer was complete, on Wednesday, Arsene Wenger walked the flame to the celebration cauldron, in the centre of the city.
A keen swimmer, surfer and paddleboarder, Emily helped organise the Island’s first women’s surf competition and festival, the Wight Wahines Surf Fest.
Last year, she took part in the Solent Swim, for the West Wight Sports and Community Centre.
In 2012, trail-blazing sailor and foundation boss, Dame Ellen MacArthur, carried the Olympic torch through East Cowes, in the build up to the London Games.
Arsene Wenger and Emily Scadgell transfer the flame in Strasbourg (Image: Relais de la Flamme)
Dame Ellen MacArthur in East Cowes, with the 2012 Olympic Torch (Image: IWCP)
This time, Dame Ellen was invited to take part again. Unable to make it, a raffle was held at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, to find someone to walk in her footsteps.
Emily was the lucky winner.
"There must have been thousands of people lining the streets," said Emily.
"I feel so incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to take part in something so amazing, and to represent the Foundation.
"It was an unreal experience, absolutely bonkers. Truly so special, such a privilege, and something I will never forget."
