Sun Fuming

------Sun has a simple life, serious attitude cctv.com 07-23-2004 13:37

Sun Fuming, a Chinese judo athlete, participated in this event as one of the torch carriers. However, as a former judo Olympic champion in the 1996 Atlanta Games, she missed out on a second try for an Olympic medal 4 years later because of injury. Instead of giving up her career, Sun continued to train hard while looking ahead to the Athens Games. Now, we will show you how she refuses to bow to her age, and her desire for winning is greater than ever.

The national women's judo squad has more than 60 members, but Sun Fuming stands out from her teammates because of her maturity. She is 30 years old and the eldest in the team, so she is called the "big sister" by others. She has well earned the respect of her teammates because she is the only member who has pocketed all the world's major judo titles.

Back in 1996, Sun beat Rodriguez of Cuba to win an Olympic gold at the Atlanta Games. Six years later, she topped the 14th Asian Games in Pusan, South Korea. She continued her momentum in 2003 by clinching the world championship title.

But the road to get another Olympic gold in Sydney in 2000 was obstructed due to severe injury. Though she soon recovered, she lost her chance to qualify and went to the Games as a reserve. Sun says that she overcame her injury and disappointment and has no regrets.

Sun Fuming said, "Because I had failed to qualify for the Games, I decided to do something for my teammates. I felt extremely sad, but I told myself I must pick myself up and shape up. I never thought about quitting. If I had done so in 2000, I wouldn't be in the national team now. I have always dreamed of continuing my sporting career for as long as possible."

Sun Fuming was born in northeast China's Liaoning Province, an area well-known for producing top class athletes. Her likeness erected high in her hometown honors her successes, but she doesn't look back, she looks forward instead. She has had painstaking training sessions day after day since late last year for the upcoming Athens Games. She knows that she can't afford to waste any more time after the setback she suffered 4 years ago.

She may be an Olympic champion, but Sun leads a simple life just like her less famous teammates, eating in the canteen and living in the dormitory. However, she enjoys having her picture taken to show others that she is as beautiful as any super model off the court.

In training, all her good nature gives way to aggression and she is incredibly determined to conquer her opponents and reclaim the Olympic gold. With the August Games fast approaching, her training intensity has soared, and fatigue and sporadic injuries have told her body is not as strong as it was in 1996. She does intend to show that age is irrelevant and wants to prove in Athens she is still the best.

Liu Yongfu has been Sun Fuming's coach in the national team since 1995. He has witnessed her development from a newcomer to a top professional. Speaking of Sun's prospect in the Athens Olympics, he seems to have much confidence of her giving a stellar performance.

Mr. Liu argued, "She is the No.1 hope of the Chinese women's team to win an Olympic gold in Athens. However, although she is probably the favorite to claim gold, she can still improve her skills. She can do this through her arduous training."

Sun Fuming will turn 31 when the Athens Games begins. She has been waiting for her second, and possibly her last chance at the Olympics for 8 years. For that moment, she says, she has persuaded her fiancee to postpone their wedding ceremony till after this August. She hopes that she can wear the long-anticipated second Olympic gold as she walks on the red carpet.

Editor:Wang  Source:CCTV.com