Multi-Olympic champion Ian Thorpe said in Canberra, Australia on Wednesday that he was excited to be a torch bearer and would be undaunted by the prospect of demonstrations during the torch relay in Canberra on Thursday.

Speaking at a press conference held here with local officials, Olympic organizing officials and police officers, Thorpe said this was the first one for him to run the torch relay and hoped the relay would be peaceful and smooth.

"I hope it's a peaceful protest and there is respect that this is the Olympic flame and it stands for a lot more than just the situation in China."

Thorpe said he did not worry about the protests and looked forward to the torch relay.

Thorpe will carry the torch for the final leg of the relay to Canberra's Commonwealth Park before lighting the Olympic cauldron at a ceremony on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin.

(Xinhua News Agency April 23, 2008)