CNN's Beijing bureau chief Jaime FlorCruz was scheduled to take part in the Olympic torch relay in Beijing on August 6. He has decided to bow out of the relay.

He explained his decision to Danwei earlier today:

My daughter Michelle and I are happy and honored to have been selected as torch bearers in the ongoing Olympic relay. However, only Michelle will be running in the relay.

In light of the events in Sichuan Province, I have recently taken the personal decision to forgo the chance to run the Olympic torch relay. I wish to offer my slot to someone who has made extraordinary contributions during the earthquake rescue and relief operations, in any field.

Since my daughter Michelle will also participate as a torch bearer, we think one torch bearer in the family will suffice. When she runs in the torch relay, Michelle will represent our family in expressing our good wishes for Beijing and the success of the Beijing Olympics.