The Beijing Olympic torch relay in Nanning started at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday at Minzu Square in Southwestern China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, with the first leg run by the 23th Olympic Games weightlifting champion Wu Shude.

Torchbearer Wu Shude holds up the torch during the launching ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games torch relay in Nanning, southwest China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, June 7, 2008.(Xinhua Photo)

Torchbearer and Olympic gold medal winner Mo Huilan waves to people while running during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games torch relay in Nanning, southwest China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, June 7, 2008. (Xinhua Photo)