Windsurfing queen Lee Lai-shan, holding a Beijing Olympic torch, is under the spotlight at yesterday's press conference. She tops the Olympic torch bearer list for Friday's relay. Edmond Tang

Excited torch bearers shared with the media their feelings about being picked for the noble mission after the list of 120 runners was announced in a press conference yesterday.

For windsurfing gold medalist Lee Lai-shan, the Olympic torch relay on Friday will be the second most exciting moment in her life.

The city's first Olympic gold medalist said she felt tense about the relay.

"Hong Kong is the first leg of the torch relay in China. This is significant," she said. "I am excited. I will represent China to pass on the Olympic spirit. There cannot be any mistakes."

Lee said she is not worried about her physical fitness, but she needs to be mentally prepared for the task.

The windsurfing queen is also not worried about her safety and security during the relay.

"I think Hong Kong people respect the Olympic spirit, and I believe in the police," she said. "I will not let the torch drop ."

The youngest torch bearer, 14-year-old table tennis player Chiu Chung-hei, said he feels honored for being selected. Chung-hei played table tennis with President Hu Jintao on Hu's visit to Hong Kong during the city's 10th handover anniversary last year.

"I feel very happy," he said, adding that he will put in extra effort to run in the correct posture.

The torch bearers are required to put on sportswear provided by the relay organizing committee. The shirt is mainly red in color, with the five Olympic rings printed on the back and the torch logo on the front. Required accessories include a head band and a wristband.

The bearers can keep the torch after the event.

"I will definitely let my coach take a closer look at the torch. Without him, I will not be where I am," said wheelchair fencing athlete Yu Chui-yee.

Paralympics equestrian rider Nelson Yip, who will deliver the torch on a horse, said he needs to take extra care of the torch.

"I need to be very careful, not getting myself burned by the fire," he said.

Shun Tak Holdings managing director Pansy Ho said she has been practicing jogging for the relay.

She hoped the Beijing Olympics will gain support.

"I hope the Games will be a success. It is a good chance for the Chinese people to get connected with the world," she said.

Cheung Kong Group managing director Victor Li said he has been practicing swimming, and is not worried about security during the relay.

Former National People's Congress Standing Committee member 74-year-old Tsang Hin-chi, the oldest torch bearer, is confident that he can finish his section.

"I will keep on running if I can. And if I cannot, I will take a wheelchair," he said.

When asked whether he is worried that the torch will be grabbed by protesters, he replied, "Who would dare to grab my torch? I am strong."

Retired swimmer and artist Alex Fong said all torch bearers should feel proud of being selected.

"It is an invaluable chance. It is an honor," he said.

Singer Kelly Chen also said she is excited and not worried about security, but she has other concerns.

"The shirt must be tucked in. I am worried that I may not look good," she said.

(HK Edition 04/30/2008 page1)