Books bring better balance to the floor

One of China's foremost gymnastics coaches has backed a plan to incorporate more academic lessons into training schedules with a view to improving performances on the floor.

Speaking at a training camp which employed such a system in Wuhan, Hubei province last month, two-time Olympic champion Deng Linlin explained: "General knowledge courses can make young gymnasts think in a more comprehensive way and strengthen their ability to cope with pressure.

"In the past, gymnastics was regarded as a painful, tiring and even boring thing. But now the General Administration (of Sports in China) advocates 'happy gymnastics', which takes the sport back to its natural roots."