Fourth-Place Medal

Speculation aplenty as to who will light Olympic flame

Steve RedgraveWho will light the flame at the Opening Ceremony of the London Games? As the July 27 date draws near, speculation is growing.

The bookies like five-time British rowing gold medalist Steve Redgrave, followed by two-time decathlon champion Daley Thompson.

David Beckham was also considered to be in the mix but apparently withdrew his name when he said he thought the honor should go to an Olympian.

In an interview with ITV News, Redgrave said that he has not been asked to perform the ceremonial duty.

"I don't know who is going to be lighting the flame, but I was carrying the flame in Henley a week ago today and I had a great time doing that, but I only really found out the night before exactly what I was doing, so if I am involved nobody's got in contact with me yet," he said.

[ Related: "Chariots of Fire" lets Brits relieve Olympic ideal ]

Redgrave added that he was available if needed.

Thompson will be the last to carry it, on July 24, when he lights the celebration cauldron at the evening celebration event in Haringey, north London.

The Olympic Torch is in the final stages of its journey around the country. There will 982 torchbearers to carry the flame through the capital.

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Overall Medal Count

Rank Country Gold Silver Bronze Total
1 United States 46 29 29 104
2 China 38 27 23 88
3 Great Britain 29 17 19 65
4 Russia 24 26 32 82
5 South Korea 13 8 7 28
6 Germany 11 19 14 44
7 France 11 11 12 34
10 Australia 7 16 12 35

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