So Group's Yates starts Usain Bolt's 100m final

Paul Yates from event company So Group had a key role in the men's Olympic 100m final on Sunday (5 August) as he acted as an official starters assistant.

Yates behind runners at the starting line
Yates behind runners at the starting line

Yates, who is electrical manager at So Group, stood at the race's starting line behind Usain Bolt, who went on to win the race and the gold medal.

He was also forced to deal with a spectator who had thrown a bottle onto the track just before the race started.

Yates has been a UK athletics official for many years and was chosen to volunteer at the Games's most famous event. He will also be officiating at the Paralympics.

Steve Barratt, chief executive of of So Group said: "Paul has been involved with the UKA for a number of years and has demonstrated his dedication as a volunteer by travelling the length and breadth of the country attending sporting events.  When the opportunity arose for him to be an official starters assistant for London 2012, So Group was happy to support him - it really is a once in a lifetime opportunity."

He added: "We never expected to see quite so much of him on television and wonder whether he’ll get recognised in the exhibition halls when he goes back to his day job."

Do you know anyone in the industry who has volunteered at the Olympics? Comment below and let us know what you think.

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