Hockey star keeps world's focus here

Competing in the Olympic Games at home is no doubt a unique experience, once in a lifetime, appealing to any athlete around the world.

Probably no one knows how special it feels more than former National Basketball Association star Yao Ming.

As arguably the most recognized Chinese athlete globally, Yao's towering presence as the host's flag bearer at the grand opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics left an indelible mark in his career as well as a long-lasting memory for sports fans worldwide.