Ding Meiyuan

------weightlifting legend cctv.com 08-02-2004 11:36

Ding Meiyuan became the world's No. 1 female weightlifter by winning the gold medal in the over 75kg category at the Sydney Olympics 4 years ago. She has become a lifting legend by breaking 15 world records in just 3 years. Despite this, she learnt last month she wouldn鈥檛 be going to Athens because of the amazingly fierce competition in the national team.

Ding Meiyuan's 3 teammates had all won gold medals in Sydney, and she was the last one to compete. The event quickly turned into a duel between Ding and her arch-rival Agata Wrobel of Poland. Ding successfully lifted 135 kilograms in her last attempt, setting a new world record and extending her advantage to 2.5 kilograms thanks to her lighter body weight.

Her next lift was a similar story, and competition between the two reached a climax. Both of them lifted 162.5 kilograms in their 2nd attempts, another new record. The competition was a deadlock.

In her last attempt, Ding lifted 165 kilograms, her best-ever performance in her 10 year-long sporting career. Great pressure was on Wrobel, as she had to lift at least 170 kilograms to win the gold. She couldn't do it.

4 years later, the other 3 Sydney gold medalists have all retired to pursue study or headed local teams. Ding Meiyuan is still in the national squad and hoped to defend her hard-fought title in Athens.

"Many people have asked me whether it is still worthwhile to go on training since I have won all major world titles and broken so many world records. I have to say that I really don't want to give it up. And I think I'm still capable of fighting for the gold to make my dream come true." Ding Meiyuan said frankly.

But bad news came just 1 month before the start of the Athens Olympics: Ding Meiyuan will not represent China. She has been replaced by one of her teammates and best friends who has been outperforming her in intra-squad contests. Ding will join a group of former Olympic champions or world record holders who have to stay at home and watch their companions contend for medals on TV.

At first she was shocked at the team's final decision. She is though coping well with the news, as there is the possibility of competing at the Beijing Olympics in 2008. She says, however, that she can imagine a life after weightlifting.

She said,"I have to keep my weight like this because I'm a weightlifter. But I'm quite confident of losing weight quickly if I stop training one day, for many of my teammates have done so. I'm looking forward to wearing sexy skirts."

Editor:Wang  Source:CCTV.com