Golden moments may be fewer in London

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Optimism may be golden but reality may not glitter so brightly. With London calling athletes from all over the world, hopes of a medal haul for China to match the golden times of four years ago may be premature.

Sports Minister Liu Peng put expectations into context as he announced the Olympic delegation in Beijing on Tuesday.

The delegation consists of 621 officials, athletes and coaches. Competing for medals will be 171 men and 225 women.

The average age of the squad is 24.68 years and 244 of them have no previous Olympic experience.

"In every sport, whether you are strong or not, you have to be prepared to face unprecedented challenges," Liu said.

Four years ago in Beijing, China topped the medal table with 51 golds.

It will be more difficult this time without home advantage and many of the tops stars have retired or are injured.

"Four years ago, we achieved remarkable accomplishments. In London, China will be under the spotlight to see if we can repeat the feat," Liu said.

"But the reality is tough. In the past four years, other countries and regions have prioritized Olympic preparations. We have to be fully prepared for all the difficulties and challenges."

Big names and gold medalists from the traditionally strong events, like table tennis, badminton, diving and gymnastics, are absent.

The younger generation, and coaches, will have to bear the burden of expectation.

Badminton head coach Li Yongbo is one of those shouldering the burden even though defending champion Lin Dan is still in his prime.

"The greater the expectation, the more pressure we feel. If people played down their expectations, the athletes might perform better," Li, whose team won three of the five golds on offer in Beijing, said.

Although China did well in the Beijing Games, top sports officials insist that China is still on its way to becoming a powerhouse like the US and Russia.

"We are still on the way (to becoming a sports powerhouse). We took a giant step forward in Beijing. The London Games is another chance to progress as it will inspire more Chinese people to take up sport in their daily routine,” Liu said.

Questions:

1. How many gold medals did China win at the 2008 Olympics?

2. What is the average age of the squad?

3. How many athletes have no previous Olympic experience?

Answers:

1. 51 golds.

2. 24.68 years.

3. 244.

About the broadcaster:

Rosie Tuck is a copy editor at the China Daily website. She was born in New Zealand and graduated from Auckland University of Technology with a Bachelor of Communications studies majoring in journalism and television. In New Zealand she was working as a junior reporter for the New Zealand state broadcaster TVNZ. She is in Beijing on an Asia New Zealand Foundation grant, working as a journalist in the English news department at the China Daily website.