Han Ximin

    SHORTLY after the announcement of the start of the torch relay at 12:20 p.m. Thursday at the Citizens’ Center, Xiao Junfeng, the Sydney Olympics gymnastics gold medalist, took the flame from city Party chief Liu Yupu and started the first run.

    Reporters, particularly photographers, jostled for position to photograph the runners.

    In the scorching sun and amid cheers from spectators along both sides of Fumin Road, a Shenzhen Daily reporter joined in.

    Xiao was besieged by reporters after completing his 100-meter run and passing the flame to the second runner, Liang Daoxing, vice mayor of Shenzhen. Liang is also director of the Executive Board of the Organizing Committee for the Shenzhen 26th Summer Universiade.

    Police and security guards linked arms to hold back the pressing crowd that had waited several hours for the start of the relay.

    The excitement came to a climax as Dai Feifei, who won the championship in rhythmic gymnastics at the 21st Universiade, started the third run, turning south along Yitian Road. Dai became a household name in Shenzhen when she was chosen to represent the city in last year’s bid to host the 26th Summer Universiade.

    She posed for photographers after passing the flame to the fourth runner, Han Xingyuan, head of the Shenzhen Sports School.

    Although the relay was delayed for four hours due to the Olympic flame reaching the top of Mount Qomolangma, the crowd’s enthusiasm wasn’t dampened. Cheering crowds used cameras and mobile phones to record their memories.

    The media race was finally stopped by police when Han turned west along Shennan Thoroughfare.