First step on the long road to greatness

Many of China's future Olympians get taste of glory at Shanxi showcase

The flame in the cauldron of the Second National Youth Games was extinguished on Sunday in Taiyuan, Shanxi province, but the excitement and promise showcased by some of China's best up-and-coming athletes won't soon be forgotten.

For many of them, the Games represented their first major competition, providing a dazzling platform for potential future Olympians to test themselves in 37 events for summer athletes, five for winter athletes and seven combined.