Du Li, former Olympic gold medalist, failed to win any medals on the first day of competition.

The first medal of the Olympic Games usually comes from the shooting event, and it's become a favorite for China since Xu Haifeng earned a gold in the Los Angeles Games. But Du Li, also a former Olympic gold medalist, failed to win any medals on the first day of competition.

After Katerina Emmons led all the way to snatch the gold medal in the women's 10 meter air rifle, the Beijing Shooting Range Hall became a party area for the Czechs.

China's shooting team leader was almost submerged in the media's microphones and cameras, and tried not to show any disappointment.

But the spectators seemed upbeat after the competition, even though Du Li didn't earn the first medal.

A spectator said, "It doesn't matter. Although our shooter was not able to present her best performance, it is good enough that she did her best. This is my first time watching the shooting event, it was very interesting, and very well organized."

"Maybe she had too much pressure. Anyway, there must be a champion after all. Every shooter has her chance. It was a good match and I enjoyed it."

"We were looking forward to the first medal. But the competition itself is even more important.

Over the last twenty years, sports have been playing a critical role in China's rising image, and many can become fanatical when supporting their country. But as China is now a sports superpower, fans are becoming more rational in their support.

(CCTV August 10,2008)