TORCH MAKES A DETOUR

Four protesters briefly grabbed the Olympic torch from the Italian track star Eleanora Berlanda yesterday as the relay passed through the Italian town of Trento. The protesters known as "the disobedient ones" - demonstrators associated with the anti-globalization movement - grabbed the torch, but relay escort runners took it back, the Italian news agency ANSA reported.

"I saw the banners and I thought I would be able to pass by them, but they came near," Berlanda told The Associated Press by telephone. "I tried to hold on to the torch, but they were pulling on it and my wrist was being turned, so I had to let go of it. They were aggressive about getting the torch, but not toward me personally."

Berlanda, who set Italian records in the 1,500 meters, said she was uninjured. (AP)

It's happened for a second time. From the Associated Press:

The Olympic torch relay was diverted for the second time this week because authorities feared planned protests along the route could turn violent.

The torch was suppsoed to have passed through Avigliana, about 15 miles west of Turin. But Olympic organizers said they diverted the relay to a stage between Buttlgliera Alta and Rosta, based on recommendations of law enforcement agencies.

~Adam