Yao Ming, a Chinese basketball player, ignites the ceremonial cauldron with the 2004 Athens Olympic torch in the Summer Palace at the end of the torch relay activity in Beijing, China, June 9, 2004.

Yao Ming, a Chinese basketball player, ignites the ceremonial cauldron with the 2004 Athens Olympic torch in the Summer Palace at the end of the torch relay activity in Beijing, China, June 9, 2004.

CEO (L) of Organizing Committee of Athens Olympic Games receives a precious Chinese "tripod" from Liu Jingmin, deputy mayor of Beijing municipality near the Athens Olympic flame at the Summer Palace, Beijing, June 9.