'Queen of Breaststroke': Leisel Jones

Leisel Jones

Australian swimmer Leisel Jones became the"Queen of Breaststroke" when she picked up the gold medal with a time of 1.05.17 on August 12.

Big competition nerves meant she failed to fulfill her potential in three previous Olympic appearances. Now she is brimming with confidence.

'Li Xiao Niao': Li Xiaopeng &"Bie Bie": Yang Wei

Li Xiaopeng (R) and Yang Wei [Xinhua]

Li Xiaopeng and Yang Wei are two of China's top gymnasts. They became favorites among fans after China won the Men's team gold with a total of 286.125 points.

The nickname"Xiao Niao", which means little bird, comes from Li's illegible signature. He writes peng like niao, which means bird in Chinese.

Yang Wei is called Bie Bie because of his trademark toothless smile, seen after competition triumphs.

'Porcelain Doll': Fukuhara Ai

Fukuhara Ai [Xinhua]

Fans call Fukuhara Ai "Porcelain Doll" because, whether she wins or loses, the Japanese table tennis player is liable to burst to tears.  

(China.org.cn by Wu Huanshu, August 14, 2008)