Olympic Torch On Ebay?

London Olympic flame carriers were offering their prized torches on eBay on Sunday, with one selling the memorabilia just hours after taking part in the historic 2012 relay.
Andrew Bell, 32, was among the first entrusted with the iconic emblem as it began its 8,000-mile trip across Britain ahead of the summer Games.

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Yet he tried to cash in on the once-in-a-lifetime honor by putting the torch and his Olympic outfit up for sale soon afterward.
And at least four others have followed him, some advertising their torches and apparel before taking part in the procession.
New father Bell said, "I understand some people may find the idea of selling an Olympic torch offensive but we could genuinely use the money. Without giving you a sob story, we've a lovely baby boy and my wife has just gone back to work after maternity leave. Also, the torch is nearly a meter long and looks weird on the mantelpiece."
On eBay, Bell -- who finished his relay leg in Marazion, southwestern England, just after 9 a.m. local time Saturday -- invited bidders to "be one of the first to own this ultimate Olympic souvenir."
Games chiefs said the torches are worth about $780 but were given to bearers for around $465.
The different eBay ads attracted plenty of bids but some of over $100,000 were clearly hoaxes.
Rowing enthusiast Bell later withdrew his ad but others remained, including from sellers in UK locations that the flame is yet to visit.
In total, 8,000 bearers will help take it through 1,019 cities, towns and villages, each carrying it about 300 meters before using it to light the next torch.

A spokeswoman said, "The majority of people will want to keep their torch, but ultimately it's their property and for them to decide what to do with it. We hope the torches and uniforms find good homes."