London welcomes the Olympic Flame

During its time in the capital, the Olympic Flame will be carried by 982 Torchbearers and travel around 200 miles of the capital’s streets, taking in landmarks, community spaces and places to showcase London to the world.

Dame Kelly Holmes, who won 800m and 1500m gold at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games was the first Torchbearer in the capital in recognition of her success as athlete. She carried the Olympic Flame from Tower Wharf up on to the ramparts of the Tower of London.

Giving the Flame a Great British welcome - London 2012 Olympics

Giving the Flame a Great British welcome - London 2012 Olympics

Pau Gasol will carry Spain's flag at London 2012

Pau Gasol will carry Spain's flag in the opening ceremony at the London Olympics next week, the Spanish Olympic Committee said Friday.

The Lakers basketball player replaced tennis star Rafael Nadal, who announced Thursday he was pulling out of the London Games because of physical problems.

Los Angeles Lakers centre Gasol is one of the country’s most recognised sportsmen and helped Spain win silver in Beijing four years ago, when they lost in the final to the United States.