------Program code: CC-080331-03571 (what's this?)

Source: CCTV.com

03-31-2008 12:42

We’ll start by meeting a once all-conquering table-tennis doubles partnership; we’ll then hear the sad story of a young gymnast’s twin Olympic disappointments; after that we’ll talk to a competitor who, despite appearing at her first Olympics 16 years ago, is still hoping to take part again this year in Beijing; and finally, we’ll hear how a coach’s extraordinary sacrifice helped his young weightlifting charge to competitive success.

China has a proud history of producing outstanding table-tennis players. Since table-tennis's Olympic debut in 1988, the country has dominated the sport, culminating in three out of four gold medals at the Athens Games four years ago. The precedent for China’s Olympic table-tennis success was established by two doubles players, 20 years ago.

Among the youngest competitors in any Olympics are the female gymnasts. Back in 1996, Kui Yuanyuan was just 15 when she appeared for the Chinese team. Sadly, her performance was below par, and at such a tender age, she found it hard to deal with the disappointment. Things were no better for her, four years later.