Chen Lu, Chinese figure skating world champion, teaches children how to skate in Beijing, April 24, 2007. [Photo/VCG]

Chen Lu was the first Olympic figure skating medalist from China and the first world champion in women's singles figure skating. In 1990 and 1992, Chen claimed bronze medals at the junior world championships, with two additional bronzes at the adults' world championships in 1992 and 1993. Then at the Lillehammer Winter Olympic Games in 1994, Chen brought back China's first Olympic figure skating medal, a bronze. In 1995, Chen finally reached the top, grabbing gold at the Birmingham World Championships, China's first world figure skating title.