Jim Redmond clambered over the seats at the Olympic Stadium in Barcelona in 1992 to take to the track and help his son cross the finishing line after he tore his hamstring during the semi-finals of the 400 metres.
Hero: Jim Redmond helps his son Derek over the finishing line at Barcelona 1992 (Photo: PA)
Paul Mears's son Chris is in contention for a place in Britain's diving team, but three years ago he was fighting for his life after suffering a serious training accident while competing for Team GB at the Australian Youth Olympic Festival.
The teenager suddenly collapsed in Sydney and was taken to hospital, where doctors found he had ruptured his spleen and was also suffering from a virus they suspected to be meningitis.
He went on to make a full recovery, but the thought of almost losing his son still fills Mears with emotion.
Mears said: “I am truly delighted at being nominated to carry the Olympic Flame during the London 2012 torch relay. It has been a very long road for our son Chris towards the Olympic Games and as parents we have supported him throughout that journey, right from the age of seven when he first began to dive.
"Now that he is on the verge of selection for Team GB it is marvellous that I have the opportunity to participate in this once in a lifetime event, a true honour.”
Redmond added: "I am very, very proud that I was selected.
"Whether it's for five inches or five miles, it's a proud day to be asked to do something like this. I never dreamt that I would be asked to represent the general public as a torch bearer. I can't wait to turn it in to reality."
The London organising committee for the Olympic Games are yet to reveal who will have the honour of taking the Olympic torch on its final lap and lighting the cauldron in the opening ceremony, but bookmakers William Hill have Redgrave as their 8/13 favourite.
