Australian sports stars committed to running with Olympic flame in Canberra

CANBERRA, April 9 (Xinhua) -- Two of Australia's sporting greats, Ian Thorpe and Ron Clarke, have committed to running with the Olympic flame in Canberra despite possible protests.

Despite the protests on the flame's journey through London and Paris, Clarke and Thorpe are certain that they will run with the torch in Canberra, slated for April 24.

"I think (the torch relay) adds to the prestige of the Games, Isee no reason why it should be canceled," Clarke said.

Clarke lit the Olympic cauldron in Melbourne 52 years ago and ran with the flame again at the Sydney 2000 Games.

He said he had no concerns for his personal safety during the event.

"I've got complete confidence that they (the Australian Olympic Committee personnel) can make certain that there won't be any personal attacks on any of the torch-bearers," he said.

Meanwhile, Thorpe's manager, David Flaskas, confirmed that the five-time gold medalist had no plans to quit the relay.

"Ian fully intends to participate but obviously everyone is looking at what is happening overseas," the Australian Associated Press quoted him as saying.

"Security is obviously a concern for everyone participating but...we hope nothing silly eventuates in Australia," he said.

One of the younger members of the torch-bearing team, gymnast Daria Joura, will be representing future Olympians in the relay. She said she was not concerned about carrying the torch.

"I'm not frightened at all. I'm just looking forward to it and hope that everything goes smoothly," Joura said.