INSPIRATIONAL: Ahmad Aiman Asmayatim, 16, is Malaysia's torchbearer at London Olympics
NOTTINGHAM: FOR 16-year-old Ahmad Aiman Asmayatim, the few metres that he ran through the streets of Nottingham carrying the Olympic torch on Thursday had taken him leaps and bounds in his record of personal achievements.
It will also catapult him in the records of the London Olympics 2012 as the young Malaysian student will be among 8,000 others to carry the torch before the start of the Olympic Games on July 27.
The fourth former from Sekolah Tuanku Abdul Rahman (STAR) in Ipoh, Perak, was chosen to represent Malaysia in carrying the torch under the International Inspiration programme, London 2012's international sports legacy programme.
Twenty other youngsters from around the world were also chosen to be torchbearers.
"I cannot describe the feeling. It's incredible and something that I will never ever forget," said an excited Aiman when asked to describe the moment he was handed the torch along the scenic canal route in Nottingham on the way to the city centre.
The second child in a family of three said he knew about his nomination in March. He had been actively involved in International Inspiration programmes and trained as a young sports leader. He was selected after an interview by the British Council.
"It was obvious it was his leadership qualities and his ability to solve problems that he was chosen to represent Malaysia," said Teing Tai Chee, a teacher from SMJK Shing Chung chosen to be Aiman's adult chaperone.
In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysian 19-year-old diving queen Pandelela Rinong has been chosen to carry the Jalur Gemilang at the London Olympics, the first national female athlete to be accorded the honour.
Her selection was officially announced by Malaysian Olympic contingent chef-de-mission Tun Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid after a visit to the badminton squad training centre at Stadium Juara in Bukit Kiara yesterday.