Not one, but three Exeter College students drew the cheers of hundreds of well wishers as they carried the Olympic Torch during the second day of the 8,000 mile journey this week.

Beth South, 19 from Countess Wear, who is studying a Sports Coaching and Fitness Foundation Degree at the college took pride of place as the college's first torch bearer carrying the symbolic flame through West Charleton in South Devon on its second day in the UK. Beth was nominated for being an”outstanding role model” with comments such as “Nothing is too much trouble and her smile would melt a glacier” Born profoundly deaf, her nomination continues with” Beth's attitude is 'I'm deaf? So what?” Her tutor Jon Hill said “We were delighted that Beth was successful in being a torch bearer since she has amazing enthusiasm and energy for helping others and is a real inspiration. I'm not surprised her nomination won since she has used her Community Sports Leaders Award to coach children rugby, football, basketball and netball and is a member of the South West Snow Sport Association Squad and teaches and guides visually impaired students at the Adaptive Ski Club.”

Another of the college's sports stars, Garnet Mackinder, took over the torch relay as it entered its final legion on the second day, carrying the torch through the crowded outskirts of Exeter before being welcomed by a jubilant crowd of over 8,000 fans in the Cathedral Green. Garnet, 21 from St Thomas, is currently at Birmingham University studying Sports and attended Exeter College between 2007 and 2009 leaving with an impressive set of A level results as well as a string of accolades including Sports Student of the Year. She crowned her sporting achievements winning caps for England U20s and 7s Rugby. As her nominee mentioned “Garnet is inspiring others by going back to her old club and coaching and encouraging girls to play.” Garnet herself remarks “My dream is to compete in the 2016 Olympics for Great Britain in Rugby 7s and I feel that carrying the Olympic flame would be a great beginning to my journey.”

On its third day the torch was carried through Great Torrington by another of the Coaching and Fitness Foundation Degree student who wasn’t even phased when the torch went out!. David Follett, 21 originally from St Peters School in Exeter, was paralysed after an accident in 2008 but despite his injuries he completed his A levels and graduated last year from the college with his Foundation Degree. Driven to succeed, David is now the Parabadminton World No 1 in his class and with his playing partner is unbeaten for three years in the 4 Nations competitions. He is getting used to gaining accolades having been awarded Express and Echo's Disabled Sports Person of the Year this year.

“I am delighted that three of our students have been honoured in this way,” said Richard Atkins, Principal of Exeter College, “The Olympics are proving to be an experience of a lifetime for many people and we're very proud that Beth, David and Garnet played such an important part in the torch relay here in Devon.”