The Olympics is a dream come true for the lucky few who secure their tickets. But it can be a nightmare for those on the bubble, forced out either by injuries, politics, or a country's excess of qualified competitors.

(From left to right) Weightlifter Zhang Guozheng, gymnast Teng Haibin, diver Hu Jia, each an Athens Olympic champion, as well as world badminton champion Zhu Lin and national soccer team striker Zhu Ting are among China's high-profile exlusions from its Olympic roster. [China Daily]

As host, China had struggled to choose the "right" athletes to fill the limited spots on its Olympic roster. But the final verdict was announced on Saturday, as China's 2008 Olympic team elicited both smiles and tears.

Superstars like 100m hurdles reigning champion Liu Xiang and NBA all-star center Yao Ming head the list with no one surprised at their inclusion. But there were also some surprising exclusions like badminton women's singles world champion Zhu Lin and men's 69kg weightlifting reigning champion Zhang Guozheng, both of whom would have a realistic shot at winning gold next month.

Twenty-two Athens Olympic gold medalists were left off this year's list.

Most of the victims come from sports China traditionally dominates like diving, badminton and weightlifting.

In diving, two-time Olympic champion Tian Liang, Athens gold medalists Hu Jia and Li Ting, as well as Peng Bo, Yang Jinghui, and Lao Lishi have all been replaced by members of the younger generation.

Tian was China's No 1 on the men's team after Athens but was dismissed by the national team, which claimed Tian violated rules by getting involved in commercial activities and entertainment appearances.

Tian came back to his provincial team to stay in shape for the Beijing Games, but the national team chose not to recognize his determination and he was forced into retirement.

Unlike Tian, Yang and Lao retired of their own accord. Hu, Peng and Li took part in the Olympic trials but failed in their attempts.

But the team is still packed with stars and the new generation is no less hungry for each of the eight diving gold medals.

Weightlifters Zhang Guozheng and Tang Gonghong are almost level with their younger challengers in their head-to-head records since Athens. But the governing body still decided to drop them, fearful of potential injuries due to their age.

Zhang overcame the injury he sustained after his Athens victory and has worked hard for a chance to defend his gold medal. But with the rise of World Cup winner Liao Hui and with Athens 62kg gold winner Shi Zhongyong's switching to 69kg, there were one too many men for the two Olympic spots, and Zhang was the odd man out.

Liao beat both Zhang and Shi in April's Olympic qualifier. The younger Shi appears to be in better physical condition, though Zhang has kept good form during the national team's closed-door training camp.

From heaven to hell

Women's weightlifter Yang Lian has lived a similar from-heaven-to-hell story (cong tian tang dao di yu).

Yang had been the favorite in the women's 48kg just days before the final Olympic list was released, but lost her spot to Chen Xiexia at the last minute.

Yang's family sold their house years ago to raise money for her training. Her father said it is a huge blow to his daughter's career.