Andy Murray may be the only torchbearer carrying the flame in Merton who any of our residents will recognise, let alone has even set foot in Merton before.

Whereas the 19 other torchbearers are from outer London areas, across the Atlantic and even Milton Keynes, we may have finally found someone with roots in our borough.

Sergeant David Thompson, 40, originally from Wimbledon, has been chosen to be part of the police security team whose job it is to protect the flame on its 70-day journey around Great Britain from Land’s End to the Olympic Park.

Sgt Thompson will be the only person in Merton’s parade, which goes through Mitcham, Colliers Wood and Wimbledon on July 23, with any local roots.

On the official website, London 2012 organisers have billed the two-month parade of torchbearers as “their moment to shine, inspiring millions of people watching in their community, in the UK and worldwide”.

But – apart from tennis superstar Murray – those selected to inspire Merton residents include Sharon Culpepper, 46, from Georgia in the US, Edson Alfonso, 67, from Rio De Janeiro and Lacey Weiszbrod, 29, from San Francisco.

Organisers also thought it appropriate to give a Merton slot to Duncan Mackey, 46, a Milton Keynes sports journalist who founded an Olympic news website – who has already carried the flame through London in the run-up to the 2008 Games in Beijing, China.

The torch security team, made up of 70 staff and officers, including 35 runners, will guard the journey from May 18 until the torch arrives in the Olympic park on July 27.

Sgt Thompson said: “I think there will be a sense of pride as I run through my home town and that is the part I am looking forward to the most.”

He was chosen to take on this challenge after an eight-month selection process from an initial 664 applicants.

After 17 years of service to the Metropolitan Police, Sgt Thompson underwent a strict exercise program with his personal trainer including spinning, hill training and speed work, as well as looking after his two young sons.

He said: “It means everything to me to be part of the Olympics.

"It also means I will be able to tell my grandchildren, I did that, I was part of history.”

While some Merton residents will carry the flame elsewhere in the south-east, many were nominated but missed out, incuding Doreen Offredy and four fellow members of the Windmilers jogging club in Wimbledon.

Also unsuccessful was Frank Keay, 50, a driver at the Wimbledon Guild, who has dedicated 20 years’ service to helping the elderly and disabled.

Are you from Merton and wanted to carry the torch through Merton but missed out? Contact us by calling 020 8722 6333, tweeting @WimbledonNews or emailing: newsdesk@wimbledonguardian.co.uk.