1948 Olympic official volunteer disappointed not chosen to volunteer this year

DESPITE being 94, 1948 Olympic official volunteer Ernie Witcomb was disappointed when he did not get chosen to volunteer at this year’s Games.

Mr Witcomb of Okehampton Crescent, Welling said: “I offered my services to the organising committee and they wrote back saying they didn’t need me.

“My son thinks it’s because I’m getting a bit old for it.”

The father-of-one, whose business Witcomb Cycles supplied the British team with bikes for the 1952 Olympics, volunteered as a marshal in Windsor Park for the 1948 Games.

But they were very different to what they are today.

Six years of war had left Britain rationing food and clothing, and housing was in short supply.

No new venues were built and athletes were housed in existing accommodation instead of an Olympic Village.

As a result, the 1948 celebrations became known as the Austerity Games.

Mr Witcomb, who has been married to wife Milly, 97, for 72 years, said: “It was terrible- we had to pay our own expenses and had to buy our uniforms.

“I wore a blue blazer, white shirt and grey flannel trousers.

“We didn’t get any free tickets, meals or posh dos like you do now.

“We had a small meal and a thank you.

“But we enjoyed it.

“I look at the money they spend now. To me, it was the honour of taking part.”

For this year’s Games, the Olympic emblem has changed from the traditional multicoloured hoops to a modern design that represents the number 2012.

Mr Witcomb said: “I don’t like the emblem- it should have Great Britain across it. It used to be so recognisable with the hoops.

“Now I think the Olympics is run a bit like a business and everyone looks at what business they can get from it.”

But the former army corporal, who worked in the medical corps during the Second World War, says he is excited about catching some of the Games’ highlights.

He said: “I’m not sure if I’m going along, but I’ll be watching it on the television.”