Chinese fans thrilled to see NBA star Kobe Bryant.

Media and sports fans waited outside the gates of the Olympic Village on Monday (August 11) hoping to get close to some of the world's best athletes.

NBA star, Kobe Bryant, walked out of the Village during the afternoon to the thrill of some Chinese fans. Though when asked about the U.S. team's chances for a gold medal Kobe took the humble approach.

Bryant, a Los Angeles Lakers guard and the NBA's most valuable player, is the leader of the crack U.S. Olympic basketball team favoured to win gold in Beijing.

The U.S. beat China 101-70 on Sunday in one of the most highly anticipated events of the Olympics. Even the pro-China crowd cheered wildly for Bryant.

(Reuters.com August 12, 2008)