Jin Can, a blogger at sina.com

On subway train

When I squeezed into the subway train to the Wukesong Basketball Gymnasium, I saw a very tall middle-aged couple in the crowd--the husband more than 2 meters high and the wife about 1.9 meters .

Considering the space and temperature in the car, I bet it must have been much harder for them, who were sweating and swiping on this journey. But you know what, it surprised me to realize that they were Yao Ming's parents! It's really surprising; every one knows that Yao is a dutiful son, and every one knows buying a car for his parents would only cost him maybe just a day's wage. Why?

First, I had their identities confirmed by an old man who apparently was traveling together with the couple and sat next to Mr Yao, then I asked him why they didn't at least take a taxi.

"Well, it's a decades-old habit, they just feel OK and don't want to change. Anyway, they prefer green traveling and to be low-key," the old man said.

I was really moved. They have remained low-key even after their son has risen as the most famous and wealthy Chinese athlete around the world. All of a sudden, I recalled the scene depicted by ESPN's sports journalist Ric Bucher about the commotion Yao caused among his fans at an airport: Yao was very sorry that he could't step out of the bus again to meet his fans, some of whom had already got his signatures, as he didn't want to disappoint them. However, he had to refuse things irrelevant to basketball if they were too much and endless.

Though a superstar, Yao's apology and feelings for his fans were consolation for the latter. In sharp contrast, some public figures, who are much less known than Yao, lack basic respect for their fans. A Chinese football star once hit one of his fans because the latter wanted a signature. Some sports figures also are used to refusing to show respect for their fans and even drive them away with verbal abuses.

No doubt, Yao Ming's patriotism, low-key behavior and enthusiasm for charity were groomed by his parents whose lifestyle I've just witnessed with respect. It's just logical - you've got parents like the two who would travel with common people in a crowded subway train to see their son's Olympic game, you've got one more son who would donate 2 million US dollars to the quake-hit areas.

Zou Kai, a member of the Chinese men's gymnastics team, at sina.com

Sharing my gold

The Chinese Men's Gymnastics Team finally realized the Olympic dream in the championship , and as part of the team, I experienced unprecedented excitement when the team stood the tallest on the court.

Besides, it was a moment of happiness and fortune for me when I realized that today's success is the accumulation of the endless technical instructions and guidance from my coaches in the past. It's their moral directions that had made me grow up, and it's my outstanding teammates who always gave courage and help to me--their youngest brother. So when I came out as the finishing player for today's competition, I really took it easy. Just like a relay race, you got excellent rods ahead of you, then you just sprint on your own rhythm.

There are just too many people that I want to thank for their efforts and contributions in bringing me today's success, I hope that they are satisfied with my performance.

Finally and especially, I want to share my win with my countrymen in Sichuan Province, who suffered so much from the May, 12 quake and managed to stand up with support from across the country to rebuild their homes. And as a small part of them, I can feel the strength and pride, with which I hope to keep going.

Cheng Fei, a member of the Chinese women's gymnastics team, at qq.com

I've done it

Yes, I'm very excited now because all my efforts have finally been rewarded today. I want to thank my coaches and every one who cares about me. All my teammates and I wore red hair bands in the competition, and it brought us good luck. It's really a fortune to have an Olympic chance, so I weighed the games a lot and tried my best today. Though I didn't show well on the balance beam, I finally managed to withstand the pressure. So Dad and Mom, just be happy for me!

Li Shanshan, a member of the Chinese women's gymnastics team, at qq.com

It's my first

You know it's really fantastic for me to win the gold medal as I joined the Olympic games for the first time. Coaches, team-sisters, we were all jumping up and down, shouting ourselves hoarse. I kept my cool while playing every individual event while the audience was cheering all the time . It's so nice to play at home.

When I saw the 5-star flag was raised for our team, I told myself to endeavor for more gold medals.

 

(China Daily 08/16/2008 page11)