Special report:   2008 Olympic Games 

The first torchbearer, Greek taekwondo athlete Alexandros Nikolaidis(R), silver medalist in the Athens Olympics, kindles the torch in hand of 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)

Athens Olympic champion swimmer Luo Xuejuan (R) runs during the torch relay of the Beijing Olympic Games in Olympia of Greece on March 24, 2008. (Xinhua Photo)

   OLYMPIA, Greece, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Athens Olympic champion swimmer Luo Xuejuan of China took the Olympic torch from Greek taekwondo athlete Alexandros Nikolaidis in ancient Olympia on Monday.