Taking a Leap into the Unknown

LONDON, February 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Blushing brides brandishing bouquets prove no Olympic hurdle for Team GB long jump hopeful, JJ Jegede, as he "leap"-frogs over them on the only day women can propose

Like Olympic athletes, for the country's women, some chances only come round every four years.

As thousands of our athletes are putting forward their proposals for inclusion in the London games, many women across Britain today have also been doing the same - with a summer wedding rather than a gold medal their ultimate goal,

Tradition dictates that, according to old folk laws, 29 February is the only day women are able to pop the question to potential grooms. The quirky tradition, which dates back to the twelfth Century, also allows besotted ladies to ask for their man's hand in marriage once every Leap, or indeed Olympic, Year.

Package holiday deals experts, Thomas Cook, who offer everything from holidays to Tenerife to the chance to book Ibiza holidays are the only Official Provider of Short Breaks to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The trusted travel retailer marked the occasion with brand ambassador and Team GB Long Jump hopeful, JJ Jegede,

Stephen Vaughan, Managing Director of Thomas Cook London 2012 Partnership, said: "As a company built on traditions, having taken customers to the first modern Olympic Games in 1908, we hope to see lots of wedding rings alongside the famous five rings this year.

"Although today's the day for our ladies, we are also hoping to inspire our gents to go for gold at the Games. With our Short Breaks, you could treat the lady in your life to a night in a top London hotel and even pop the question at the equestrian. London 2012 is the event of a lifetime and our best destination for a proposal yet."

And JJ Jegede, Team GB Long Jumper, added: "Jumping at a competitive level is intense, but leaping over 12 brides is certainly quite a challenge! With this sort of training, I'm certain I'll be ready for anything at London 2012."

But be warned, for those men who turn down the plucky woman, tradition also states that they must compensate their proposer with a new dress, silk gloves or even just a kiss.

Thomas Cook's network of over 1,300 stores is the only place on the High Street that UK residents can guarantee a seat at the Games To book tickets to those must see events, including athletics, swimming, cycling or diving, call Thomas Cook London 2012 on 0844 800 2012, visit http://www.thomascooklondon2012.com or pop into your local Thomas Cook store. And if the athletics don't suit, they have a host of summer breaks including Benidorm package holidays and getaways to Greece and Cyprus available for those wanting to support our athletes from abroad.