Beijing Olympic Games torch relay starts

The first torchbearer, Greek taekwondo athlete Alexandros Nikolaidis (4th R), silver medalist in the Athens Olympics, runs with the torch during the torch relay of the Beijing Olympic Games in Olympia of Greece on March 24, 2008. (Xinhua Photo)

The first torchbearer, Greek taekwondo athlete Alexandros Nikolaidis (R), silver medalist in the Athens Olympics, kindles the torch held by former Chinese swimmer Luo Xuejuan (L), Athens Olympics gold medalist, during the torch relay of the Beijing Olympic Games in Olympia of Greece on March 24, 2008. (Xinhua Photo)

Chinese torchbearer Luo Xuejuan attends the torch relay of the Beijing Olympic Games in Olympia of Greece on March 24, 2008. (Xinhua Photo)

Chinese torchbearers Luo Xuejuan (R) poses with Deng Yaping during the torch relay of the Beijing Olympic Games, in Olympia of Greece on March 24, 2008. (Xinhua Photo

Chinese torchbearer Wang Mingyan poses with the torch during the torch relay of the Beijing Olympic Games in Olympia of Greece on March 24, 2008. (Xinhua Photo)

Chinese torchbearer Wang Lee Hom (R) kindles the torch of Chinese torchbearer Chen Shaoshu during the torch relay of the Beijing Olympic Games in Olympia of Greece on March 24, 2008. (Xinhua Photo)