Inline Skating Police Guard Olympic Torch in Paris

The Associated Press reports that nearly 3000 French police officers — including about 100 in jogging gear and on inline skates — helped guard the Olympic torch as it was relayed through the French capital, according to Paris police headquarters.

Unfortunately, the torch relay through Paris was interrupted near the Eiffel Tower by protesters. None of the demonstrators were reported to be inline skaters.

Highlights of the Torch Relay:

• Olympic figure skater Evgeni Plushenko and 80 others helped carry the torch through St. Petersburg, Russia on Saturday April 5, 2008.
• The torch passed through London on Sunday.
• Then on Monday, about 80 athletes carry the torch for 28 kilometers through Paris with the inline police as part of the escort.

The Olympic torch relay schedule is the longest in history. It will travel 137,000 kilometers through 21 countries and it will be carried by 20,000 torchbearers. After Paris, the flame will be flown to San Francisco and then goes on to Buenos Aires.