It was an ideal start to the 2008 Olympics for Greek taekwondo athlete Alexandros Nikolaidis.

Receiving the sacred Olympic flame and olive branch from "High Priestess" Maria Nafpliotou after the torch-lighting ceremony, Nikolaidis, the 2004 Olympic taekwondo silver medalist, became the first torchbearer for the 2008 Beijing Games yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the Olympics.

The first Olympic relay torchbearer, Alexandros Nikolaidis (right), who is also Greece's Olympic silver medalist for taekwando, hands over the flame to China's gold medalist swimmer Luo Xuejuan, after the Olympic flame-lighting ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Games.

"It was the biggest moment in my life," he said, after passing the flame to the second torchbearer Luo Xuejuan, who is also China's Olympic gold medalist for swimming.

"With the Olympic flame, I must admit that there was something special," Nikolaidis said.

"I hope everything you saw today represents the Olympic being spirit passed on and traveling throughout world," he added.

For Nikolaidis, being the first torchbearer of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games torch relay is not only a great honor, but also a good start to his pursuit for gold at the Beijing Games, following his silver medal won at the Athens Games.

"It is the best start for me. I hope I will be as happy at the Olympics as I was today," Nikolaidis, who will be taking part in his third Olympic Games, said.

"I hope I get to the finals I hope I can get the gold medal."

The 28-year-old was announced as the first torchbearer for the Beijing Games on March.

"It is the biggest honor that the Greek Olympic Committee could give me."

The athlete was modest when asked why he was chosen for the role.

"I don't know the real reason. Maybe my sports achievement but I'm really very happy about it," he said.

According to Hellenic Committee President Minos Kyriakou, Nikokaidis was chosen not just because of his athletic achievements, but also because his courage, modesty and integrity were exemplary.

"High Priestest" Nafpliotou said after the event: "It's happened today almost as it happened in history. It's something very touching and very moving.

"I wish that all the values of the Olympic Games reflect the whole Olympiad. I wish the Beijing Games every success with peace, that's the most important thing," she said.

(China Daily March 25, 2008)