Dispution by some Tibet separatists en route in Europe is casting a shadow over the flame's global tour. But torchbearers told CRI that the mixup of sports and politics is tarnishing the Olympic motto, and therefore, any such behavior is against the public will.

Our reporter Wang Lei has more.

Jin Jing is one of the Chinese torch bearers for the relay in Paris. The disabled athlete was scared when Tibetan separatists tried to snatch the torch from her hands.

But at the same time, she got encouragement from her French counterparts. She was touched by the waving Chinese national flags on streets.

''What I experienced could be clearly seen by other torch bearers. They encouraged me to go on and I was so touched. The atmosphere was great.''

Jin Jing says she has gained a lifelong experience this time that being persistent and never bow to challenges are the essence of the Olympics.

French swimmer Beatrice Hess shares the view by saying that everybody should treat the torch relay with respect.

''When I was holding the torch, I heard the applause as well as boos. Everybody has the right to express themselves, but I hope they could respect my happiness of being a torch bearer. People should respect torch bearers, they deserve that.''

A 60-year-old American living in San Francisco is a fan for Chinese Kung fu. He is proud that the city is the only stop in North America for the torch relay.

''Personally I don't believe we should mix sport with politics. I think the Olympic is there for Olympic, for the athletes. And I am looking forward to the Wu Shu in Beijing. I wish I can go myself.''

The Kung fu practitioner says the Olympics is a time for atheletes and sports fans to celebrate and enjoy the moment of being energetic, so such rights and joy can not be ignored or disgraced.

Wang Lei, CRI news.