IOC Weighs Elimination of International Torch Relays

The International Olympic Committee is continuing to consider whether to eliminate international torch relays in the wake of the protests which disrupted the Beijing flame's global tour.


IOC president Jacques Rogge said Tuesday the committee will always retain its tradition of lighting the Olympic flame in Ancient Olympia and starting the torch relay in Greece.

However, he reiterated the IOC might do away with future global relays and limit the flame processions to domestic routes within the Olympic host countries.

"We will have to reflect with calmness and tranquility on the future of the Olympic torch relay," Rogge said in his opening speech at the three-day IOC session on the eve of the Beijing Games.