China

Morelon seeks French connection

By Tang Yue (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-12-16 09:38

Daniel Morelon and Christian Bauer have much in common. They are both French, they are former world champions in their respective disciplines, they have coached Olympic champions and are now mentors of Chinese national teams.

However, the neighbors and countrymen have followed drastically different paths since last year's Beijing Games.

While Bauer became a household name in China after helping Zhong Man win the country's first men's Olympic fencing gold in individual saber, Morelon remains unknown throughout most of the land. Guo Shuang claimed a bronze in the women's sprint, a fine achievement, but apparently not good enough to meet fans' expectations.

However, the cycling guru believes he has a great opportunity to make his mark at the London Games thanks to the change in events. The IOC announced last Friday the men's and women's individual pursuit and points races and the men's Madison will be dropped for the 2012 Games. Instead, the men's and women's keirin, team sprint and five-race omnium event will be included.

"We had only one chance in Beijing and we lost it. Now we have three chances in London," Morelon told China Daily.

Guo is a three-time World Cup keirin winner and 2009 World Championships winner. She is also expected to be strong in the sprint event. Meanwhile, China's sprint team also has gold prospects with Guo and Gong Jinjie, a World Cup bronze medalist in the keirin, leading the charge.

Morelon came to China in July 2007 with the goal of an Olympic gold.

"I don't want to end my career with failure. I'm planning to retire after gold in London," he said. "I hope all the Chinese people will know me after 2012."