http://www.cooganresearchgroup.com/crg/index.htm

30 September 2012

COOGAN story 

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appearing in "Olympic Torchbearers - 2012 Olympics" (Official London 
2012 Website):

ANDREW COOGAN

Hometown: Carnoustie
Age:      95
Carrying the Flame Through: Dundee
Carrying the Flame On:      12 June 2012

Andrew's Nomination Story:

Andy is a World War II veteran and former champion runner.  His
promising athletic career was cut short by the outbreak of war and
he missed the chance to compete at the 1948 Olympics as a 
consequence of over 3 years as a prisoner of war in Japan.  His
story of survival is truly inspirational. Andy established Tayside
Amateur Athletic Club and competed in veteran athletics, devoting
his life to encouraging everyone in the community to take up sport.

(story as provided by the Torchbearer's nominator)

http://www.london2012.com/torch-relay/torchbearers/torchbearers=andrew-coogan-6790/

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appearing in "The Courier" [UK], 10 JUN 2011:

94-YEAR-OLD RUNNER ANDY COOGAN NOMINATED TO CARRY OLYMPIC TORCH

A 94-year-old athlete from Carnoustie could pound the streets again
after being nominated to carry the Olympic torch in the run-up to
next year's London games.

Runner Andy Coogan has been put forward for the honour by Olympic
legend Sir Chris Hoy as one of the 8000 British citizens who will
carry the torch as it tours the country ahead of the games next
July.

Mr. Coogan, who is still involved in Tayside athletics, was 
suggested to organisers by the four-time gold medal-winning cyclist
as a tribute to his record as both a runner and a coach.

However, when he spoke to The Courier, Mr. Coogan, a middle-distance
runner, played down his chances of being awarded the honour.

He said, "I met Chris a few weeks ago in Edinburgh and I already
had people interviewing me then.  I've not heard anything officially
yet and until I do I won't believe it.

"I'm not one who goes about trying to get my name in the newspaper,
though.  I might carry it a short distance - 100 yards."

A second world war veteran and prisoner of war at the hands of the
Japanese, Mr. Coogan could never fulfull his own Olympic dream.

However, his career was notable in Scotland and his love for 
athletics is still evident today.

Mr. Coogan said, "Chris Hoy used to come and watch me run as a young
boy so I've known him since then."

"I've seen it all and I've met all of the champions from athletics,
boxing and other sports.  I've run at Hampden Park and Ibrox Stadium
in front of 90,000 people and I've beaten world champions."

Mr. Coogan put forward a suggestion of his own for a local athlete
to carry the torch - 60-year-old Ronald McIntosh, a double amputee
who still competes.

Mr. Coogan said, "He's a marvellous person and it would be fitting
if he was allowed to carry the torch.  I have great admiration for
him."

Sir Chris has also nominated former national cycling coach Geoff
Cooke to be a torch runner.

He described Mr. Cooke as an "unsung hero" of British cycling, 
helping both himself and many others get on track for success.

Sir Chris said, "You will never meet a person more enthusiastic and
passionate about his sport - always smiling and always keen to
encourage people to enjoy riding their bikes.

"He helped out on many of my training sessions in earlier years and
is one of the unsung heroes of British cycling over the last 50 
years.  I cannot think of anyone better to carry the torch."

Mr. Cooke, a former competitor, was "overwhelmed" to be nominated.

He has "lived and breathed track cycling all his life," according
to Sir Chris.

Mr. Cooke said, "The thought of being part of the London 2012
Olympic torch relay is so exciting that I'm truly honoured to have
been nominated to participate."

The 8000-mile, 70-day relay will cover the length of Britain.

Sir Chris is urging people to nominate someone for a slot, via
www.lloydstsb.com/carrytheflame.

http://www.thecourier.co.uk/News/Angus/article/14789/

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