People with mountain climbing experience will be horrified to learn that the Olympic torch is now at a base camp on Mount Everest - and an attempt will be made to take that torch to the roof of the world.
Obviously the torch bearers will not be runners in shorts and singlets - but even the toughest and most experienced mountain climbers know that Mount Everest is not to be taken lightly. The summit is littered with the bodies of climbers from previous expeditions who have perished from cold and lack of oxygen.
It is doubtful that the Olympic torch can stay lit during this journey. Lack of air may extinguish the flame - and it will most certainly not have the army of Chinese " attendants " accompanying it.
This seems to be an unfortunate extension of the Chinese government's obsession with showcasing China to the world. It could backfire if weather conditions close in suddenly - and result in tragic loss of life.
It seems likely that the use of a torch relay to herald future Olympics may have to be abandoned. Protesters giving publicity to events in Tibet have ensured that future Olympics will be used as a medium for whatever protest cause that involves the host country. It is likely that the relay will be abbreviated to an event held in a stadium under tightly controlled conditions.
The world will hold it's breath as this symbol of sport ascends the world's highest mountain !
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