LONDON – London's Olympic organizers have named three-time Olympic gold medalist Ben Ainslie to be the first person to carry the torch during its 70-day relay in Britain.
The sailor will begin the trip on May 19 at Land's End — the westernmost tip of England.
The flame arrives from Greece on May 18 and begins an 8,000-mile (12,875-kilometer) relay across the U.K. the following day. The flame will also make stops in Ireland.
Ainslie will be the first of 8,000 torchbearers who will crisscross the country. Organizers hope the torchbearers — mostly people chosen for their local community work — will raise spirits and inspire people ahead the games.
The London Olympics take place from July 27 to Aug. 12.
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