Colombia’s most famous former soccer player carried the Olympic torch through the English town of Windsor on Tuesday.
Carlos Valderrama, who is recognized for his mop of blonde hair around the world, smiled and waved at the crowd as he jogged with the torch to the entrance of the Windsor castle where he was met by Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip.
Although it was raining during his turn as a torchbearer, the sportsman known as “El Pibe” – “the kid,” – clearly enjoyed himself. “I’m very proud, this is a dream come true,” Valderrama told Radio W. “It’s an honor and I want Colombians to be proud of it.”
The torch was handed to El Pibe by Colombian journalist Guillermo Prieto Larrota, better known as “Pirry.” Both of the popular Colombian figures were chosen to represent their country during the relay.
The Olympic torch arrived in the United Kingdom on May 18 after being lit in Greece. The fire has been carried around England, Wales, Scotland, North Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and will arrive in the Olympic stadium in London on July 27.