I have been privileged enough to carry the Olympic torch before, four years ago, but for me Sunday's relay is a more important event as it signals the start of the run-up to our games in 2012. At the end of the games in Beijing, the Olympic flag will be passed to London.

For most of my life I have been involved in the Olympics. I've been lucky, I've competed at five, been a journalist at one and spectator at two others. Since the age of 13 it has been my driving ambition to win an Olympic medal. So now, having achieved that ambition, I spend my time ensuring that young athletes get the chance to compete and win an Olympic medal.

The torch for me is not, therefore, simply about a relay around London, it is a moment where the Olympics comes to the front of everyone's mind and we celebrate the dedication of the young athletes who train day in, day out to get to the games. The torch relay gives the opportunity for people from all walks of life to touch the Olympics, to feel the dream. The games are an experience like no other, but only a few people get to go and experience their magic.

That is why on Sunday I am so pleased that one quarter of the torchbearers will be from London schools. They will get a once in a lifetime opportunity to carry the Olympic torch.

Every Olympic games I've been involved in has had political issues. In 1980 I couldn't compete at the Moscow Olympics because of the US boycott over Afghanistan. I think people have realised athletes are a cheap hit, a way to get publicity for whatever cause they're trying to fight for.

People shouldn't use athletes who have trained hard to make political points. The sports boycott did not end apartheid in South Africa. That came through financial sanctions.

As a sportsman I am happy to stand side by side with my government if there are sanctions. But there are no sanctions restricting our financial dealings with China. If the issues are strong enough that the nation and government want to take a stand together against another country, sportspeople should stand with that, but they should not be misused to make a point.

Athletes are trying to come away an Olympic champion. To win a medal at Beijing will not make you a Beijing Olympic champion. It will make you an Olympic champion and we should encourage athletes to strive for that.

The Olympics is a unique event and we should celebrate that fact as the torch which marks the start of that Olympic event comes to the streets of London this weekend.

· Sir Steve Redgrave is a five times Olympic rowing gold medalist