Barry to get “time-out” from Olympics
Team GB rowing coach Bill Barry has been given “time-out” from his duties coaching men’s single sculler Alan Campbell – for a quite special occasion tomorrow morning.
The Tokyo silver medallist will be one of 18 Olympic medallists chosen to row Gloriana, the Queen’s Barge, from Hampton Court to Tower Bridge, carrying the Olympic Torch.
“I’m joining rowers like Michael Lapage from the 1948 Games, Jonny Searle, Chris Baillieu and Cath Bishop”, said a clearly delighted Barry.
“I had to get special permission from the Chief Men’s Coach Jurgen Grobler and Team Leader David Tanner to take part and I’m sure Alan will just be grateful to have a morning without me urging him on”.
Barry’s connections with the Queen’s Barge go back through the generations. His father, grandfather and great uncle were all Thames Watermen and his uncle, Bert Barry, was the Queen’s barge-master.
“I’ve been very, very keen to do this because of my family’s special history and I could not go to the opening ceremony so this will be a very special morning instead.
“Mind you, it’s a 20-mile row so I’m just worried that my hands won’t blister up too much”.
For details of the Olympic torch route, timings and photos go to: http://www.london2012.com/torch-relay/
