Sailor Ainslie will kickoff UK Olympic torch relay
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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.
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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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