When you read in tomorrow's papers about clashes between police and protesters along the Olympic torch's route through London, just remember that the overwhelming majority of us were not thugs or troublemakers. We were peaceful protesters simply speaking up for the Tibetan cause. After all, can chanting "Stop the torture in Tibet" really be that controversial?

 

Our pre-protest picnic at Jubilee Gardens seemed a daft idea in the snowstorm, so we cheerfully set up camp in the warmth of the Royal Festival Hall. A fortuitous move, as the riverside grandstand hinted at a major torch pit stop. After lunch we moved outside, where dozens of protesters mingled peacefully with spectators along the cordoned-off route. Even non-protesters seemed friendly and mostly supportive. Well you can't imagine them striking up a rival chorus of "Continue the torture in Tibet!" 

 

On the balcony the show was all-singing and all-dancing, but with no torch in sight. We all cheered when the cordons were dismantled as rumours spread that protests had halted the relay. I think the crafty authorities were just trying to get us all to give up and go home (and get out of camera range). In truth they sneaked the torch in via a back route so it could make a momentary appearance on stage, though without much fanfare.

 

Were we wrong to protest? Should sports and politics be separate? If so, why did the torch make a visit to the Prime Minister in Downing Street? I agree with Tessa Jowell, Minister for the Olympics who said the protests were "a good advert for democracy". Steve Redgrave also defended the right to protest. At the end of the day, it's a striking difference between living in a tolerant democracy or a repressive regime. Here you can speak your mind without fear of a thumping or a night (or decade) behind bars.