A WOTTON triathlete has headed to London to join thousands of volunteers at the Olympic Games.

Ron White, 58, is joining 70,000 volunteers from across the country in giving up their time to work at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Mr White, who has competed in triathlons for 25 years, is spending seven days setting up for and overseeing the women’s and men’s triathlons in Hyde Park on Saturday, August 4 and Tuesday, August 7.

His tasks, which got underway on Wednesday, will range from readying equipment, such as competitors' bikes, to helping set up the podiums for the presentation of the Olympic medals.

He explained that the British Triathlon Federation asked triathletes to register their interest before the official application system opened, giving him a head start with his application.

A lengthy interview process and gruelling training schedule followed, before Mr White, who runs the Car Clinic in Kingswood, was ready for his once-in-a-lifetime role helping at the Olympic Games.

And he knows what to expect, as he spent two days marshalling at the cycling road races last weekend.

While Mr White won’t be able to watch the whole competition, he is looking forward to seeing parts and soaking up the atmosphere.

He said: "Triathlon is my love. This is the main part (of the Games) for me, and I get to be a part of it.

"I can’t be classed as an Olympian but I can be a game maker."

A keen athlete himself, Mr White has represented Great Britain in Ireland, where he won a bronze medal in his age category, Budapest, Holland and Spain.

And he comes from a family of triathletes, with his wife, two sons and grandson all involved in the sport.

After the Olympics, his next triathlon is planned for the end of August in Malmesbury and he is hoping to qualify for the 2012 European Championships.

His dedication to the cause knows no bounds, as he has even given his bike an Olympic makeover, with ‘Team White’ emblazoned on the side of neon green panels on his wheels.

Mr White said he is proud to be a part of the Olympics. He said: "It’s about the pride, about living the dream."