Warrington man ‘felt like a superstar’ while carrying the Olympic Torch in France

A 56-year-old man from Warrington was one of 10 people from the UK chosen to run with the Olympic torch ahead of the games in Paris this summer.

Alan Brinksman heard about the chance to run with the torch after seeing a competition held by Coca Cola, which he decided to enter.

To his surprise, he received a response asking him to explain why he deserved the opportunity to take part in the historic tradition in France.

Alan, who lives near Orford, explained to the competition judges that he has been working in rugby league for more than 35 years, coaching across a range of ages.

After successfully explaining why he deserved to be picked, Alan was chosen in January as one of 10 UK citizens to travel to France and run with the Olympic Flame.

Alan applied to a competition to take part in the historic event (Image: Supplied)

“I didn’t really tell [my friends and family] straight away because I wanted it to be confirmed,” said Alan.

“It was almost surreal to be told that you were going to do this huge thing.”

Last Tuesday, Alan flew to France with family and travelled up to Yutz, which is near the border of Luxemburg, to take part.

Then, the big day finally came, as Alan ran with the Olympic Flame for 200 meters before lighting the Torch of the next person.

Alan said he felt like a 'superstar' taking part (Image: Paris 2024 / Laurent Vu / SIPA PRESS)

“It felt incredible and I felt incredibly proud to do it,” he said.

“It was overwhelming to be involved in a small part of the Olympics.

“I felt like a superstar high fiving all the kids and seeing the crowds – it’s been an incredible life experience.”

The Olympic Torch relay, which began on May 8, will conclude on Friday, July 26 when the opening ceremony will be held in Paris.

The Olympic Games will then run until Sunday, August 11.