Three-time Olympic sailing champion Ben Ainslie kicked off the London 2012 Olympic torch relay on Saturday, saying it was "one of the more nervous moments of my life".
Fresh from winning his sixth world title on Friday, Ainslie was up in the early hours to complete the first leg of the relay at Land's End in Cornwall. He decided to walk his 300m leg and soak up the experience.
Ainslie happily paused and waved so the cheering crowd of all ages could take photographs. Many of them had got up at 4am to make the trip and waved flags to support the first torchbearers.
Ainslie, 35, said: "I did alright - at least I did not trip over. I did not really want to rush it. I wanted to give everyone the chance to touch the torch, it gives everyone around the country the chance to feel part of it.
"It is one of those moments in your life where you are just in shock. It was an amazing moment. I was very proud obviously to help kickstart this period in the run-up to the Olympics.
"It was probably one of the more nervous moments in my life but it is so special for everybody to see the Olympic torch."
Being the first person to carry the Olympic Flame on home soil would also be a treasured memory, added Ainslie who is aiming to win his fourth successive gold medal on home waters at the London 2012 competition at Weymouth and Portland.
He said: "I would say that particular moment ranks right up there with winning a gold medal. It was incredibly special."
The Olympic Flame touched down at RNAS Culdrose on Friday and was flown to the UK's most westerly point by a 771 Naval Air Squadron Sea King helicopter for the start of the relay.
Lieutenant Commander Richard Full carried a lantern to the world-famous First and Last signpost at Land's End, where the first torch was lit in front of the cheering crowds.
He said: "Months of planning went into that one moment. I was honoured.
"The whole squadron are really pleased. It is exposure to the wider world of what we do and we are extremely proud of what we do but we generally go about our business in a quiet and unassuming way. Perhaps it is just our turn in the limelight."
Devon and Cornwall Police said around 3,500 people were at Land's End to see the start of the relay.
The relay involves 8,000 torchbearers, who are carrying the flame 8,000 miles to the opening ceremony on July 27.
The torch relay travels nationwide and aims to bring the Olympic Flame to within 95% of the UK population.
Sir Keith Mills, the London 2012 deputy chairman, a keen sailor who has worked with Ainslie on an America's Cup, said: "Seeing Ben with the torch was one of the reasons that I wanted to be here.
"He is one of our greatest Olympians and he also happens to be a friend. I have spent a lot of time with him with the America's Cup and the way that he is sailing with such passion, he is in a great position for a fourth gold medal.
"I also know that for him being able to carry the torch on his home soil, is very special for him and his family.
"I wanted to share in the moment with him."
Ainslie passed the flame on to 18 year-old Anastassia Swallow from St Ives, who said she wanted to take it slowly to take it all in but she got "a bit excited and a little crazy and ran too fast".
She has represented Britain four times as a member of the junior British surf team and dreams of becoming the first woman to represent surfing and snowboarding for her country.
London 2012 wanted the bulk of people taking part in the relay to be unsung heroes who have done things to help their community, individuals involved sport and people from the younger generation.
Ms Swallow, who is hoping that surfing will soon become an Olympic event, said: "I was really surprised by the atmosphere here today. Everyone was cheering and calling my name. It is something I will never forget."
There are 139 torchbearers carrying the flame a total of 136 miles on the first day of the relay which will end with an evening celebration at the Hoe in Plymouth.
