HONG KONG, May 1 (Xinhua) -- The Olympic torch relay is now back in China and Hong Kong, the southern special administrative region, will show you what Asia's world city is like in the 11th year after its return to the motherland.

    Sportsmen represent about one third of the 120 torchbearers in the first leg of the torch's trip back in China. Pop stars from the city's glamorous entertainment industry, businessmen and lawmakers were also in the Olympic spotlight.

    The following is what some of them said in interviews with Xinhua upon officially being named torchbearers.

    "I think the Olympics stand for peace, friendship and fair play."

    -- Lee Lai-shan, Hong Kong's first ever Olympic gold medalist. She is to open the relay near the landmark Cultural Center in TsimSha Tsui, Kowloon.

    "Fencing is chess with more of a physical side."

    "I am hoping I can be at my best in September so that the Chinese national anthem can be heard again in Beijing. But being able to compete in the Games itself is lucky enough. Well, I should say medals will be extra rewards."

    -- Yu Chui-yee, winner of four gold medals in Paralympic wheelchair fencing. She is to be the 10th torchbearer in section A of the route, in Kowloon.

    "I am going to bring the torch back home and place it in the most prominent spot in my house."

    -- Alex Fong Lik-sun, professional swimmer-turned pop singer. He will be the 6th torchbearer, running through a section of the route in Kowloon.

    "Whatever you do, do not allow yourself to look for too many excuse. Never tell yourself you cannot make it before you try."

    "The equestrian event is about how well you go along with your horse. The Olympic Games is always quite challenging and worth a try. I really want to be part of the Games and enjoy them."

    -- Nelson, Yip Siu-Hong. Paralympic equestrian athlete. He will be the 80th torchbearer and ride a horse in the relay in Sha Tin, where the main venue for the Olympic equestrian events is located.

    "Time flies. I was in Moscow seven years ago when our country won the right to host the Olympics. And now we are only 100 days away from the Games."

    -- Timothy Fok, president of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China. He will be the last but one torchbearer near the Gold Bauhinea Square near the Victoria Harbor, where public gatherings are often held.

    "What I know about Hong Kong is that the international city accepts and recognizes each and every one of those who tried to make a difference, no matter where they are from."

    "I will train for the torch relay by holding something heavy while jogging. As a torchbearer, I want to show my brightest side to the world."

    -- Wu Hsiao-li, television host. She will be the 101st torchbearer, running a section of the route through the skyscrapers in downtown Hong Kong.

    "I will try my best to pass the temperature on to the next person. I will not allow myself to be distracted and I am hoping I can do well in this once a life time run."

    -- Eason Chan Yik-shun, pop singer. He will come as the 113th torchbearer.

    "Keep smiling all the way to spread the Olympic spirit."

    -- Yuen wai-sun, senior correctional officer. He will be 94th torchbearer.

    "I am preparing for the relay like preparing for my best concert. Nowadays I do jogging and exercises every day."

    -- Ku Kui-kei, pop singer and actor. He will be the 8th torchbearer.

    "My aim is to represent Hong Kong in the Olympics as a professional player."

    -- Chiu Chung-hei, 14, the youngest among the torchbearers. He is now a tennis player and will be the 35th torchbearer.