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Torches Reach Mainland, Summit Everest

Friday, 9th May 2008 ~ Maggie ~ Link ~ Comments (0)

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The Olympic torch is now on the Chinese mainland, making its long final lap toward Beijing. One flame entered Sanya earlier this week, while the other summitted Mt. Everest, aka Mt. Qomolangma, yesterday morning. From the peak, climbers gave breathless television interviews before heading back down. Re-airing of the Everest coverage is still all over CCTV's sports and English channels today.

In Sanya, torchbearers included speed skating gold medalist Yang Yang and NBA basketball player Yi Jianlian.

Reminder: You can track the torch route here.

Tags: Olympic torch, Sanya, Yi Jianlian

Torch Madness

Monday, 24th March 2008 ~ Maggie ~ Link ~ Comments (0)

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The Olympic flame will be lit in Olympia today, and BOCOG (Beijing Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games) wants you to know that the torchbearer selection process is "basically complete." Also, the relay route is all set, and it includes that Himalayan city in the west whose recent unrest is likely to make the whole relay a little more interesting. A secondary flame is to be taken there in April, to await a May ascent of Mt. Everest.

The torch will arrive in Beijing on March 31, but doesn't begin its 115-city China leg in earnest until it arrives on Hainan Island on May 4. You can get your torch fix, complete with scheduling details, 3D animation and heartwarming stories here.

Image: IOC

Tags: BOCOG, Olympic torch, Olympics