China's gold medal hopefuls:

Gymnastics, men's all-around; shooting - women's 50m rifle 3 positions, women's skeet

Yang Wei

All Chinese will focus on Yang Wei, a gymnast who had been frustrated continuously at the Olympics and the World Championships. But he began a new life and has won gold medals in dominant fashion since the 2006 World Championships. He beat Hiroyuki Tomita at the Asian Games and now only needs a gold medal at the Olympics to prove his ability.

Du Li, a newcomer to the 50m rifle 3 positions event, made audiences' eyes bright by winning a World Cup event in April, although she did not do very well in her main event, the 10m air rifle. If Du Li can win on her first day, she is very likely to give fans a pleasant surprise under very low pressure.

Women's skeet has a long history in China, and this time Wei Ning, a Shandong girl, is hoping to continue the country's splendid achievements.

Men's canoe slalom athletes Hu Minghai and Shu Junrong finished second at this June's World Cup in Prague, while Li Jingjing won a silver medal in Slovenia. This event may provide a breakthrough for China at the Games.

(China.org.cn July 30, 2008)