San Francisco torch relay wraps up

The Olympic torch has finished its relay in San Francisco without major incident. Although the pre-designed route

had to be changed due to security concerns, the flame completed its journey safely, receiving a warm welcome from

thousands of supporters along the relay route.

A special day for San Francisco. The Olympic flame touched down in this city along the west coast of North

America. Thousands of people gathered alongside the route of the relay to show their support for the upcoming

Olympic games and the torch run.

The two and a half hour relay started from the city's China Basin Park. An official from the United States Olympic

Committee pass the torch to Chinese Olympic swimming champion Lin Li, who ran the first leg of the San Francisco

Relay. Nearly 80 torch-bearers, including some world-record holding athletes, participated in the relay.

San Francisco police announced that the route had been changed and shortened because of threats to disrupt the

relay from Tibetan separatists and their supporters. Some protesters tried to grab the torch at one point, but were

pushed back by police.

Despite a few minor incidents, the flame concluded its journey safely at the airport, where a ceremony was held.

The torch will leave for Buenos Aires on Friday to begin the South American leg of the global relay.