Great uncle Andy is inspiration for Sir Chris Hoy to carry Olympic torch in Manchester Coogan, 95, a survivor of a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp, carried the torch to rapturous applause on a leg near Dundee last week and Hoy, watching from his training base in Manchester, could not have been more proud. "Andy has always been a big hero of mine since childhood, a true legend, and to see him savour that moment was very special indeed," Hoy said. The torch relay is absolutely nothing to do with gold medals and glory, it's all about people. There was absolutely no bitterness or pity, his philosophy is that life can be cruel but you just get on with it and do your best and to see his friends lined six deep on the roadside the other day cheering him on, well it said everything. He is an inspiring man and there are many others like Andy because each community has its own heroes. The thought of being a torch carrier along with them is brilliant. "Some people around the country, hopefully a minority, have said, "What are the Olympics to me, it's miles away in London" but the torch relay has disproved that notion. It's been great. It has brought the Olympics out on to the street. Having enjoyed his "day off" immensely Hoy will disappear back into the bowels of the Manchester Velodrome tomorrow until he reappears at the start of the track programme in London on August. Now begins the final phase of his preparations for the London Olympics when he hopes to add to his tally of four gold medals but he will be checking on the progress of a long-time colleague in the GB track team as he pursues his dream with Team Sky on the road. He said: "I will be looking to take in some of the Tour de France on TV and cheering on Brad Wiggins and the lads. Brad has got the talent, the team and the tools to do the job.