The Chinese Sailing Team has set itself the realistic goal of a
medal finish at the 2007 Qingdao International Regatta, the last
Olympic Test Event for the 2008 Olympic Sailing Competition.
"We will go all out to get into top three," Chinese fleet leader
Yao Xinpei said at Saturday's press conference.
"We are definitely not targeting a gold medal," he
downplayed.
"During our stay in Europe, we have participated in world-class
events to learn from Western competitors. We have been training
since we returned to Qingdao, by which we have got much
improvement."
Enjoying home advantage, 18 competitors with an average age of
26 will participate in the 11 events of the 2008 Olympic Sailing
Competition.
Laser Radial world champion Xu Lijia, Athens silver medalist Yin
Jian and men's windsurfing gun Zhou Yuanguo are just three of the
Chinese stars who will line up for this year's preview.
"According to the rules, we have only one competitor for each
event," Yao said. "Competitors are chosen according to their
integral scores from team tests, overseas race performance and
their rankings.
"Only the best competitors have qualified for the 2007 regatta
and next year team members may change.
"Contestants for 2008 will be chosen according to their
performances in their future tests.
"We got medals last year since two or three players are allowed
for each event, which gives us more opportunities. One player for
each event adds more challenges and uncertainties to this
regatta.
"Whether we can get medals this year depends on our efforts and
I wish we could."
But coach of the Chinese Yngling team Wang Yong admitted his
charges were still a little green.
"Our athletes still lack experience in big events," he said.
"We should learn skills and tactics from stronger teams and
athletes."
China won a gold, two silvers and two bronzes at the 2006 event,
among which Yngling athletes Song Xiaqun, Li Xiaoni and Zhang
Chuanshuang snatched a bronze medal despite having just a year's
experience.
(China Daily August 13, 2007)