Judo coach's Paralympic torch honour
THE Olympic flame has already passed through Wales, but another torch is due to make its way through the country later this summer — and with a little help from a Pontarddulais judo coach.
Andrew Burt, who was selected for the British Olympic squad in 1984, will take part in the Paralympic torch relay in August as it passes through Cardiff.
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And the 48-year-old grandfather of two said: "It's a fantastic feeling to find out I will get the chance to carry the torch — words can't really describe how happy I am."
With his inclusion in the 1984 squad, Andrew was looking forward to competing for medals in many Olympics to come.
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But a succession of knee injuries culminated in an enforced amputation of his leg in 2007, after he contracted septicaemia.
But for the past 15 years he has remained involved in the sport, teaching children, both disabled and able-bodied, as well as those with behavioural problems, as coach at Pontarddulais Judo Club.
He has also been involved in coaching the Welsh disabled team, taking them on many overseas trips.
He was nominated through the Lloyds TSB public nomination campaign.
He added: "I always wanted to be involved in the Olympics, and subsequently the Paralympics, so to get this opportunity is the culmination of a lifelong dream.
"When I first started out in judo my goal was to be an Olympian, and I would have had a pretty good chance because before the injuries started in 1987, I was beating fighters who went on to compete and win medals in Seoul and Barcelona.
"All my friends and family are going to take the day off, and the judo club are going to come down as well, so it should be great celebration," said Andrew,
nino.williams@swwmedia.co.uk
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