Colin Jackson believes that Daley Thompson should be granted the responsibility of lighting the Olympic cauldron during next week's opening ceremony of the Games.

Two-time gold medallist Thompson is believed to be in a straight race for the job with Sir Steve Redgrave, who won five golds during his rowing career.

Despite acknowledging the impact that Redgrave has had on British sport, former hurdler Jackson is adamant that decathlete Thompson should take the honours.

"I realise Sir Steve Redgrave is Britain's most successful Olympian, but my vote goes to the father of modern sport Daley Thompson," Jackson told The People. "When you think of the Olympics, and I am not just talking athletics here, Daley epitomises the essence of what the Games are about.

"Winning gold in the decathlon in 1980 in Moscow and then retaining it in Los Angeles in 1984 were amazing achievements. He did it with a smile on his face.

"Let's not forget that the Olympics is a sporting festival and Daley always looked like he was having fun."

An announcement on who will take on the lighting duties is expected to be made early next week.