By Keen Zhang
zhangr@china.org.cn

A young Chinese torchbearer captured thousands of Chinese hearts yesterday when she protected the Olympic torch from repeated assaults by Tibetan activists in Paris.

Jin Jing, 27, known as the "Smiling Angel in a Wheelchair" by her friends, is herself an athlete, a fencer. She was supposed to be the third torchbearer on the Paris route, but the plan was changed because of the chaotic protests. The torch was eventually passed to her on the banks of the Seine River.

But before her torch could be lit several protestors threw themselves at Jin and her two companions, one of whom is blind. Jin appeared a little scared but protected the torch from the activists, who were then dragged away by French police.

Jin Jing told the press she was very upset and angry when the incident happened. Today her image was published on many online forums and news sites, accompanied by messages of support from ordinary Chinese people who praised her bravery and condemned the brutality of her attackers.

Chinese Foreign Ministry condemned the disruptions of the torch relay in London and Paris as an assault on the Olympic spirit.

YouTube video records the incident