NETIZENS in China are fanning the flames of a different kind as they watch the Olympic torch's journey.

They are not looking out for torch-bearing celebrities such as Andy Lau or Zhang Ziyi, but a handsome, lanky unknown who is a member of the security team protecting the Olympic flame.

They have nicknamed him You Er Gege (Mandarin for 'second-right brother'), as he is often seen in photos in the second position in the line of the guards and on the torch-bearer's right.

His real name has not been revealed but that has not stopped female netizens from swooning over his dishy good looks. In online forums and chat rooms, women rush to post his photos and gush about his sexy lips.

Some have even proposed marriage. Chinese website xbsb.com said a netizen who calls herself 'Rabbit' wrote: 'You Er Gege, you are like the crispy carrot appearing in front of the rabbit... Please marry me!'

A netizen reportedly posted personal details about him but they were removed by a Web forum administrator on grounds that he is 'state property'.

The interest in You Er Gege came despite criticism of the tracksuit-clad guards as they accompanied the Olympic flame amid anti-Chinese protests in recent weeks.

They have been attacked for their high-handed behaviour in handling the protestors and Britain's 2012 Olympic chief Sebastian Coe was even overheard calling them 'thugs'.

But in China, they are seen as heroes who stand up for Chinese pride and praised for their imposing physique and ability to speak foreign languages.

The group was formed last year from staff drawn from China's People's Armed Police. Recruits have to be between 1.78m and 1.85m tall.

Training for the torch relay job included learning how to say phrases such as 'Please maintain your distance from the torch' in different foreign languages, reports said.

And the job is tough. You Er Gege and his team-mates often miss meals while on the road. They also use water bottles in lieu of toilet facilities.

But, as his fans would note from his pictures, come what may, there is always a little smile on You Er Gege's face.

This article was first published in The Sunday Times on May 11, 2008.