Bookmakers have stopped taking bets on Sir Roger Bannister, who ran the first four minute mile at the Iffley Road running track, lighting the Olympic Cauldron during the opening ceremony.


Speculation about who will be lighting to cauldron has been rife, with rower Sir Steve Redgrave and decathlete Daley Thompson thought to be the favourites.


But the odds on it being Sir Roger, who lives in Bardwell Road, have shortened from 33/1 last week, to 6/1 and then evens before bookies closed the market.
Steve Redgrave is at 5/4, David Beckham is 7/1, and Daley Thompson is 10/1.

Oxford Mail: Sir Roger Bannister with the sculpture Blade-runner

  • Odds have shortened on Sir Roger Bannister lighting Olympic Cauldron