BEIJING, July 10 (Xinhua) -- For 53-year-old Russian Yuri Ilyahin, participating in the Olympic torch relay was like a once-in-a-lifetime birthday party.

    "It's as joyous as any birthday could be ... the 50 meters I ran with the torch were the most unforgettable 50 meters in my life," said Ilyahin, He did the relay in Lanzhou, capital of northwest China's Gansu Province, on Monday.

    Ilyahin, who studied Chinese literature in the 1970s back in Russia, is now the general manager of an information technology company here.

    He said the huge relay gave more people a chance to participate in the Olympics and pass on the spirit of the Games.

    He called the 2008 Beijing event "the Olympics of the people" and added: "No matter where we come from, all torch bearers are all one family. They all shoulder the responsibility to pass on peace and friendship and promote world harmony."

    Ilyahin was chosen from among hundreds of foreign contestants in China who sought a place in the relay during a contest held by Lenovo, the country's top computer maker.

    Ilyahin soon became a media celebrity in China and Russia. He said one big Russian newspaper published a long story on his part in the relay and his elder brother bought 300 copies for friends.

    His daughter, meanwhile, came to China to witness his moment in the sports spotlight. His daughter took a lot of photos and will make a special album.

    "I've already got my daughter's visa extended, and my family will stay here throughout the games to enjoy the Olympic atmosphere," Ilyahin said.