News and Events

Three Bournemouth University staff to carry Olympic Torch

4 July 2012

Three BU lecturers have been selected as Olympic Torchbearers when the torch comes to the South West.

Alexis Major, Debbie Sadd and Dr Dorothy Fox, all from the School of Tourism, were picked for their sporting talents and volunteering generosity, which range from winning gold at the World Masters Lifesaving championships to the Southwest champion for pole vault and outstanding work with local charities.

Alexis Major, a sports lecturer at BU, will be carrying the Olympic torch through Chideock, Dorset on July 12, and has been an active member of the sporting community since the age of five, having competed at a high level in both gymnastics and athletics. “My proudest sporting achievements were representing Dorset at the English Schools Cross Country Championships and becoming South West pole vault champion. My love for sport continued into coaching and helping others achieve their sporting goals.”

Alexis currently works with a variety of local schools delivering sessions and organising festivals. “To be chosen as an Olympic Torchbearer is the greatest honour and a dream come true.”

Debbie Sadd, lecturer in leadership and strategy with the Event Management programme, will be carrying the torch through Bridport on July 12.

She thought the three lecturers may have been picked for such an accolade due to their dedication to sport and the wider community outside of their daily roles at the University, “I think I was nominated for over 15 years of volunteering locally as sports team manager, school governor, working with local charities in a variety of capacities, and helping with the Council’s 200th birthday celebrations. I am also volunteering during July and August at the Games in London working in the Olympic Park.”

Dorothy Fox, lecturer in events management, thought her torch bearing honour may be down to her roles at sea rather than on land, as she is chairman of Bournemouth Lifeguard Corps, and two years ago won gold in the World Masters Sport Lifesaving Championships in Alexandria, Egypt.

Dorothy, who is carrying the torch through Weymouth on July 13, admitted that her most challenging event yet was “the Oceanwoman, where competitors cover a 1.2 km course that includes a surf ski leg, a rescue board leg, a swim leg, and a beach sprint finish”.

Dorothy also supports the Bournemouth Disabled Swimming Club and takes part in the pier to pier swim every year for the British Heart Foundation.