“And I know from experience, he does not muck around.”

The lighting of the Olympic Flame is a symbolic action that has come to define the opening of the modern games.

Often that honour is given to a respected and decorated athlete of the home country.

The lighting of the cauldron is a hugely significant moment in the Olympic Games, adding yet more pressure to Freeman’s preparations for sporting’s biggest stage. Credit: Dimitri Iundt/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images

For Freeman, who had shone at Commonwealth Games and international competitions but was yet to win a single Olympic medal, it was unexpected.

“Take the gift and be grateful, as my mother says.”

“They became like family … [and] we had to lean on each other and I needed their support.”

“When I pulled back and I took a look at the bigger picture … you know, this is going to mean a lot to our people, and it’s going to be great for everybody.”