Fusiliers cheer Wiggins to gold (From Salisbury Journal)
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Fusiliers cheer Wiggins to gold
4:04pm Wednesday 15th August 2012 in News By David Falcke
SOLDIERS from Bulford-based First Fusiliers were on hand at Hampton Court Palace to cheer Bradley Wiggins as he took home the gold from the Cycling Time Trials.
The soldiers were there as part of the venue security force, to ensure a safe and secure Games for everyone involved and could think of no better way of celebrating Minden Day, one of the regiment’s most revered battle honours.
This was a fantastic opportunity to take part in the Olympics and get behind Team GB before beginning the pre-deployment training for their upcoming tour to Afghanistan. Despite the ever changing weather, the mood throughout the day was one of excitement and anticipation.
The smiles and positive comments from spectators passing through the security checkpoint kept the Fusiliers going despite the huge number of people who needed to be cleared before entering this historic venue.
Fusiliers are always willing to go above and beyond the call of duty; and this was no different. Some of the athletes’ families had not anticipated the time it would take to get through the huge crowds that had come out in support.
As some struggled to make it through the venue in time to see their loved ones’ victory ceremonies. Major Chris Head, Officer Commanding Y Company, rushed to the podium with US winner Kristin Armstrong’s son to deliver him into her arms as she descended from the podium.
While Corporal Phillip Kerr reacted quickly when it became clear that Catherine Wiggins and her children might not make it in time to see her record-breaking husband Bradley as he crossed the finish line. She later tweeted: “I want to say a heartfelt thanks to the army today who made our day all the more special. It is they who make me proud to be British.”
