A SOUTH African has cycled around the world carrying a mini-Olympic torch - taking photos of himself in front of famous landmarks.
Sean Conway, 31, from North London, spent five gruelling months pedalling his way through 25 countries in six continents, covering 16,000 miles in the process.
And despite being mown down at 50mph by a pick-up truck just 4,000 miles into his epic trip, he still managed to complete his journey last week.
Conway said: ‘It was by far the toughest thing I’ve done. I’ve ridden through deserts where the nearest place to get a drink or eat was 200km away. I’ve been hit by a truck at 50mph and chased by wild dogs.
‘But in true Olympic style I persevered and hopefully I brought a bit of the Games’ spirit too.’ Conway had set out in a bid to break the round the world cycling record, but had his dreams shattered when a truck ploughed into him in Arkansas.
The accident left him nursing a compression fracture to his spine, severe whiplash, concussion, torn ligaments, twisted ankles and a chipped tooth. –DM