World

Snow Fails To Snuff Olympic Torch

August 24, 2000 / 3:57 PM EDT / AP

Thursday wasn't a good day for the Olympic torch. First, it was attacked by a teen-ager who trid to extinguish it, then it was trapped in a snowstorm.

The latest trouble came as the torch was nearing Sydney, Australia, the site of the 2000 summer games. Usually known for its sun and sand lifestyle, Sydney is undergoing its harshest winter in years.

The van carrying the torch in relay legs was trapped in a snowdrift, and the flame had to be walked to safety.

Earlier Thursday, a teen-ager attempted to douse the flame with a fire extinguisher.

The 17-year-old was arrested by torch security staff and handed over to police. He was later released into the custody of his father, and no charges were filed, New South Wales state police said.

A police spokesman said he sprayed fire retardant at the Olympic torch, but failed to put out the flame. The relay continued on schedule, and there were no reported injuries.

The incident took place as the torch relay moved through Maclean, about 340 miles north of Sydney.

Thursday's disruption followed a similar incident last month when a 19-year-old man jumped out of a crowd and snatched the Olympic flame from a torchbearer near Frankston in southeast Melbourne.

That man was interviewed by police, but released without being charged. Authorities described the incident as a prank.

Sydney 2000 organizers said there was no plans to bolster security for the torch.

"We're actually pleased with security as both incidents were over and done with in seconds," a spokeswoman for the organizers said.

The torch will be used to light the cauldron at Olympic Stadium during the Sept. 15 opening ceremony to mark the official start of the Sydney 2000 games.