Full coverage: 2016 Rio Olympics

China’s national swimming team has arrived in Rio de Janeiro for the 2016 Summer Olympics. The team has already had its first practice session in the city’s Olympic Aquatics Stadium.

China's national swimming team has arrived in Rio de Janeiro for the 2016 Summer Olympics. The team has already had its first practice session in the city's Olympic Aquatics Stadium.

Sun Yang and Ning Zetao, the two candidates touted to bag gold medals, took part in the session. Sun Yang, the 1,500-meter freestyle world record holder, will compete in the 200, 400 and 1,500 meters freestyles this year.

Sun’s coach expressed confidence in his pupil and said he is looking forward to his performance in the competition. Ning Zetao said he was excited to be in Rio for his Olympic debut and that he was preparing for the events ahead.

Chinese swimming athlete Ning Zetao (L) communicates with his coach during a training session at the Olympic Aquatic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Aug. 1, 2016. (Xinhua/Ding Xu)

Chinese swimming athlete Ning Zetao takes part in a training session at the Olympic Aquatic Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Aug. 1, 2016. (Xinhua/Ding Xu)