Sports / China
Shanghai success means nothing: coach
By Chen Xiangfeng (China Daily)
Updated: 2007-08-01 08:32
China’s gymnastics head coach has rained on the golden parade his team
made of last weekend’s World Cup Gymnastics meet in Shanghai, pinpointing
September’s World Championships as the real challenge.
Lu revealed powerhouses Japan and the US did not send their best gymnasts
to the Federation of International Gymnastics (FIG) event, while other
foreign stars like Russian Olympic champion Elena Zamolodchikova were
also absent.
“There is nothing to cheer about,” downplayed the sober coach after China
bagged nine of ten possible gold medals.
“Some of the world’s best athletes did not show up while most of them in
Shanghai were no challengers at all.
“We should not be too optimistic ahead of world championships.”
What did delight Lu, however, was the experience and confidence his young
charges gained ahead of the world championships and next year’s Beijing
Olympics.
“What means more for the team is how they are disciplined during the
competitions rather than the gold medal,” he said.
“The results are within the expectations and wins at least will help
boost youngsters confidence and give them more experiences.”
China’s vaulting horse world champion and women’s team leader Cheng Fei
upheld her status with another faultless performance and a win on the
balance beam, while teenager Jiang Yuyuan matched her teammate’s double
in the floor exercise and uneven bars.
Lu singled out the duo for praise and hinted the 15-year-old Jiang was a
probable for the yet-to-be-picked squad for the global titles in Germany
next month.
“Compared to other young players, Cheng has been a veteran in the
national team and proved herself with convincing and stable
performances,” Lu said.
“And Jiang Yuyuan was so impressive during her world cup debut. Those two
athletes’ performances make me satisfied most.
“Jiang has got the upper hand during the battle for the world
championships spot.”
Hanging low
1 2
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