London 2012: BT London Live artist Kenny Thomas on the Olympics

Wednesday, August 1, 2012
2:08 PM

Music, entertainment and all the sporting action from the Olympics will entertain visitors to BT London Live at Hyde Park.

BT London Live will take place at Hyde Park until August 11, and each day the venue will show live sporting action on big screens, and there will be sports activities, music and entertainment, all for free.

Artists playing at the venue include Dodgy, Feeder and Kenny Thomas, and they have spoken to London24 about the Games, their memories, and what sports they would like to compete in.

Access to BT London Live Hyde Park is free on a first come first served basis. A limited number of guaranteed entry tickets are available, which provide guaranteed entry before 2pm.

Pre-booked tickets are free, but there is a £3.50 fee for each transaction of up to four tickets.

BT London Live will also be held at Victoria Park from July 27 to August 12.

For more information visit www.btlondonlive.com.

Name: Kenny Thomas

What is your first memory of the Olympics/Paralympics?

My first memory of the Olympics as a child was watching the 1976 Olympics on the TV with my dad, they were held in Montreal. It was the first time i had ever seen Sugar Ray Leonard in the boxing ring, he won the gold medal.

What are your greatest sporting achievements?

I had almost 50 boxing contests for the Alexandra Palace boxing club and I represented the home counties at welterweight.

What events, if any, will you be watching/keeping an eye on this year at the Games and why?

I will of course be keeping a keen eye on the boxing, although I do enjoy watching most of the events especially the 100 meter race. When watching the boxing I am always aware that I could be watching a boxer who could one day become a pro and be a potential world champion.

Who are your favourite Olympians/Paralympians?

This year I will be closely watching the super heavy weight british boxer Anthony Joshua. He is from my part of London and trains at a gym that i know very well, the Finchley ABA.

If you could compete in any sport at the Game, what would it be and why?

Of course it would be boxing. This is the sport I grew up with, my father was a professional boxer in the 1950s and he was also the trainer at the Alexandra boxing club where i was introduced to the sport as a child. I love the noble art of boxing.

How do you feel about getting the chance to perform at a London 2012 event?

I’m always happy to perform, especially in my home city of London and I couldn’t think of a better event to be associated with. The Olympics is special but even more so here in London.

Kenny Thomas is playing at BT London Live at Hyde Park on August 7.