Ascent to the top

The Chinese people honored their promise to the world when the Olympic torch was lit up and its flame burnt against the vast stretch of white snow on top of Qomolangma. It is the first time that the Olympic torch has ever been carried onto this world's highest mountain.

If the Olympic spirit can be described as a symbol of making the impossible possible, yesterday's feat of letting the Olympic torch glow at an altitude as 8,844.43 meters above the sea level should be considered one of the finest manifestations of this spirit.

Mount Qomolangma, as the roof of the world, has always been considered by the Chinese people, including local Tibetans, a holy place. To climb to the top of this mountain has been the dream of many mountaineers. Though mountaineering has never been included in the Olympics, the torch's ascent to the top epitomizes the spirit of a sport that challenges man's physical limits.