Jin Jing arrives at the Beijing Airport.

Jin Jing, who showed great courage in protecting the Olympic torch in Paris, came back home on April 9 and was given a warm welcome.

Arriving at Beijing Capital International Airport at 1:40 p.m., Jin Jing still wore her now-famous charming smile despite a ten hour flight. "It's nice to be home," she told the welcoming crowds.

With all the media coverage she has received in the past couple days in newspapers, on TV, and on the Internet, Jin was immediately recognized upon her arrival at the Beijing airport. "Jin Jing is back home!," some shouted excitedly as they gathered around the athlete many now know as "the smiling angel in a wheelchair."

Jin speaks to a reporter at the Beijing capital airport.

Carrying the torch along the Seine River during the Olympic Torch Relay on April 7, Jin demonstrated great valor when a "pro-Tibet independence" activist, attempting to disrupt and sabotage the torch relay, reached for her wheelchair and lunged toward her. Without concern for her own safety, Jin did her best to protect the flame, her face exhibiting courage and pride in spite of the chaotic situation.

"It was an instinctive act," Jin said as she talked about the experience. "I didn't feel the pain. My entire mind was on the torch."

(BOCOG April 11, 2008)