TOKYO  -- Japan's double Olympic champion and former world record holder Kosuke Kitajima, who is on the list of Japanese torchbearers of the Beijing Olympics flame, expressed recently his wish to enjoy the activity.

Kitajima is now training in the United States. According to Japanese media, on hearing the news about his enrollment, the swimmer said he would like to help win attention on the Beijing Olympic Games.

The breaststroke specialist said he was quite surprised of his being chosen.

"But if my participation could let more people know the coming of the flame and promote attention on the Olympics, that would be meaningful," he said.

Recommended by Coca Cola, one of the main sponsors of the torch relay, Kitajima regarded the event as a precious opportunity for him and said he is willing to fully enjoy the process.