Chinese pianist Lang Lang is one of the Rio Olympics torchbearers. (Photo : Reuters)
Renowned pianist Lang Lang led the Chinese torchbearers in Rio Olympics as he participated in the well-followed tradition last Thursday, state-run Xinhua News Agency reported.
"It's my third time to be a summer Olympics torchbearer this time. To get in touch with Olympics and its spirit one more time, I feel more powerful and it will lead me to go forward," the Chinese musician shared.
Lang was previously selected as a runner during the 2008 Beijing Games and 2012 London Games.
The torchbearers, which also included popular actress Jiang Yiyan, were invited via a Coca-Cola sponsorship.
The Olympics torch relay spans its journey across the Brazilian Panama state. The relay covered a distance of 170 kilometers, including transits. It required around 140 bearers.
Lang made his torchbearing stint at the famous waterfall city of Iguacu, located on the border of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay.
The No. 75 torchbearer, who was accompanied by numerous people during his 200-meter-relay journey, received a warm welcome from both Brazilians and Chinese.
Earlier on Thursday, the pianist held a show in front of the Iguacu waterfall, playing the piece "Yellow River."
The location, which is one of the most-visited landmark attractions in Brazil, helped his performance gather lots of tourists.
Lang Lang is considered as one of the most popular pianists in today's classical music scene.
A UNICEF ambassador, he was also the first Chinese pianist to ever join the Berlin Philharmonic and the Vienna Philharmonic.
A pride of China, he has also helped create various educational projects not just across Asia but in Europe as well.
Apart from representing the country in numerous Western cultural occasions, he has also been invited to advertise for famous brands.
