Olympic torch honour for teacher

Published on 01/06/2012 16:30

AN inspirational teacher has been chosen to carry the Olympic torch in Glasgow.

Kenneth Davis (58) was nominated by former pupil and three times Olympic silver medal winner Katherine Grainger.

Kenneth will get to carry the torch on Friday, June 8, when it arrives in Glasgow as part of its journey around the UK before the Olympic Games kick-off in London at the end of July.

An art teacher at Bearsden Academy, Kenneth lives in Lenzie. Rowing champ Katherine Grainger is a former pupil.

Katherine won silver for rowing at the games in Sydney, 2000; Athens, 2004 and Beijing, 2008.

She named Kenneth as a sporting inspiration as he introduced her to karate.

The teacher, who has been at the school for 25 years, is a 7th dan in Shotokan karate and is sensei at Zanshin Kai Scotland, who offer classes in Kirkintilloch, Lenzie and Bishopbriggs.

Kenneth has been involved in the martial art for 40 years and he trained Katherine - who wanted to build her strength for rowing - till she achieved her black belt.

He said: “I was thrilled to have been picked for this, especially after all these years.

“I haven’t seen Katherine for 20 years.

“As a teacher, to have an influence on someone is a real boost.”

He added: “I am also really thrilled that I get to wear a Stella McCartney designed outfit - and I get to keep it.”

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Olympic torch honour for teacher

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