The Olympic Flame and Western Australian Olympians received a rousing welcome today as they travelled from Fremantle, through Perth to Joondalup, a northern city that is a showcase of modern urban development.

No less than 34 Torchbearers were Olympians, representing sports as diverse as hockey, swimming, gymnastics an basketball.

Hockey player Melville Pearce carried the flame today, following in the footsteps of his brother Gordon. Gordon ran on Wednesday at Halls Head and the two are part of a family of four brothers all of whom have illustrious careers in hockey.

Highlight moments today included a large crowd outside the Perth Zoo, including a zookeeper holding a black headed python who seemed interested to watch Torchbearer Pam O’Connell run by.

The snake is the latest in a growing list of animals who’ve shown interest in the Torch Relay. Yesterday a woman by the roadside held a kangaroo to see the Torch Relay, several camels watched curiously from their paddock and a herd of horses rushed to the fence of the enclosure to see what all the fuss was about. Cows, ducks, cats and multitude of dogs have also gathered to see the flame and the cheering crowds.

In Perth, the flame was carried to the top of well known landmark ‘Jacob’s Ladder’ steps which lead to a magnificent view over the city.

Source: SOCOG Olympics.com