Why were people trying to quench the Olympic torch?

Answer 1

The Olympic torch is part of a tradition going back thousands of years to the original Greek Olympics; it symbolizes the blessing of Apollo, the sun god (the Olympic flame is first ignited with sunlight, using a concave mirror to focus the light). We no longer worship Apollo, but we still light the torch.

Answer 2

They were trying to put the torch out in protest of China's occupation of Tibet.

Answer 3

so they have somthing to see at night