Judo athletes are preparing for their 2009 World Championships in Holland. The Chinese squad is revealing the list for its 12-person team. Led by Olympic Champion Tong Wen, the others are all rookies who will participate in the tournament for the first time.
Tong Wen, BJ Olympic Judo Champion, said, "It's my fifth time to go to the world championships, and I'm in good shape. Judo players at my age should be at the peak of their careers. "
26-year-old Tong Wen is a former world No.1. She's known for her very competitive style, and can count on plenty of match experience. Tong Wen's won three straight world championship titles, and she says she's not finished yet.
Tong Wen said, "I'm going to take the fourth consecutive title in the world championships. In China, right now there are no players who can able to get the fourth in a row in this tournament. And this is my goal."
If Tong Wen takes the title again, she will add 500 points to her overall tally. She dropped from world number 1 to number six early this year due to injuries. But she is not that far away from the current top points-holder from Russia.
Tong Wen said, "500 points...and two more competitions later, I can go back to top the world ranking."
According to International Judo Federation rules, an athlete can qualify for the 2012 Olympics if the player competes in the Federation's designated prize events more than 5 times a year. So Tong Wen, one of the best in the world, is likely on her way to London at the top of her game.
(CCTV August 15, 2009)
