China Scene: Central

Gold, silver, bronze + iron, aluminium, tin and lead?

Zhang Yi of Hunan province wrote an open letter recently to International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge, asking him to consider extending the current three Olympic medals to seven by creating iron, aluminium, tin and lead medals.

Seven athletes standing on the winners' podium would further spread the Olympic spirit by enhancing the sense of participation, Zhang said, adding that the three athletes who win gold, silver and bronze medals represent just a small ratio of the huge numbers participating in the Games.