China's gold medal hopefuls:

Gymnastics - men's team; weightlifting - men's 69 kg; diving - women's synchronized 10m platform; shooting - men's 50m pistol.

Shi Zhiyong

Winning the men's gymnastics team championship is a key target for the Chinese Olympic team. Members of the team have sworn to win gold in Beijing after not winning in Athens in 2004. There is no doubt that China will be a medal contender since they have a strong gymnastics team which includes Yang Wei, king of the individual all-round; Xiao Qin, world pommel horse champion; Li Xiaopeng, "Prince of Parallel Bars"; and young gymnasts Chen Yibing and Zou Kai.

Shooting will play an important role in China's Olympic gold medal count. On this day, Tan Zongliang, champion of the last two World Shooting Championships, will try to stamp his presence again. Lin Zhongzai, champion of 2007 ISSF World Cup Finals, is his partner. There is no need to worry about the performance of this men double's team. Keeping a positive and healthy attitude is their key to success. Hu Binyuan is expected to win China's first Olympic gold medal in men's trap shooting.

Men's weightlifting in the 69+ kg weight class is also an event where there are hopes for a gold medal. Liao Hui and Shi Zhiyong, the Olympic champion?are both?in good condition. Wang Xin and Chen Ruolin are the candidates most likely to win gold in the women's synchronized 10-meter platform dive.

(China.org.cn July 30, 2008)