Cheng Fei just tip of iceberg, says coach
The head coach of China's women's gymnastics squad says the team will not revolve around world champion Cheng Fei at the Beijing Olympic Games.
"During the 2008 Beijing Olympic, it takes teamwork to win medals. There will no decision as to who will be the core member of the team," Lu Shanzhen told Sina.com at the ongoing national championships in Shanghai.
Cheng, who was tipped to be the leader of the women's team after clinching a record three titles at last year's world championships, has maintained her consistency and inspired her Hubei team to a silver medal in the team competition.
Cheng, 19, won the vault at the 2005 world championships and has been almost unbeatable at the event ever since.
But Lu said he was more impressed with some up and coming teenage gymnasts.
"I am so glad to see young players have done a good job during the tournament. Xiao Sha of Guizhou, Yang Yilin and Li Shanshan from Guangdong, Hubei's Deng Linlin and Shanghai's Sui Lu, they've all given us something to think about during the Olympic qualification process."
Lu said everyone has the chance to compete in the Olympics, and key to selection will be effort, not reputation.
"There is no exception for Cheng. There is still more than one year to go. There will be big chances for them over the next year. So everyone should work hard."
Next, the coaches will pick the 15 best men and women, and this number will be cut down to seven apiece before the World Championships in Stuttgart, Germany, in September.
(China Daily 06/15/2007 page22)
