Apprehending considerable protests from supporters of Tibet, the Olympic torch relay in San Francisco was made to change its route to the disappointment of many on Wednesday, 9 April. The officials unexpectedly diverted the flame away from the pre-planned route that was thronged by spectators and protesters and moved the closing ceremony to the airport. They had to resort to this decision after the Olympic torch relay met with massive demonstrations earlier in Paris and London, where the anti-China protestors even managed to douse the torch flame a few times.

 

The continuing chaos after the turbulent protests in Paris and London earlier this week have, infact, given raise to concerns about continuing the traditional relay in future. U.S. Olympic Committee Chairman Peter Ueberroth said that under such circumstances, the Olympic torch relay in future will depend on the country and the history. The current Olympic Games torch relay will tour the five continents in 130-day duration before finally concluding in Beijing, China. In the process, the torch will cover a distance of 85,000 miles.  After San Francisco, its next stop will be Buenos Aires on Friday.

 

There was stringent preparation by the police in San Francisco in order to ensure a safe torch relay. However, things looked grave as thousands of onlookers massed along the planned 6-mile route hugging the waterfront. Activists supporting Tibetan independence and other causes faced off against pro-China groups. After the Olympic torch was lit about 1:20 p.m. PT, the officials drove it about a mile from the planned route, far away from reporters and protesters startling passersby. For added safety, the torch bearers were accompanied by police officers on motorcycles and bicycles and on foot.