www.chinaview.cn 2004-12-13 09:50:51
By Sportswriter Gao Peng
BEIJING, Dec. 13 (Xinhuanet) -- Like old wine, Wang Yifu mellows with age.
The 44-year-old shooter picked up his second Olympic gold medal at this summer's Olympic Games in Athens, his sixth straight trip to the world's premier sporting event since 1984.
Wang, who first won an Olympic gold in Barcelona in 1992, edged out Russian marksman Mikhail Nestruev on the last shot in a thrilling men's 10m air pistol final to reclaim the title.
Overcome with emotion, the oldest athlete on the Chinese sports delegation shed tears on the podium.
"I never cried like this before," said Wang. "I have to say that this is one of the most important moments of my life."
"Just being there at age 44 wasn't an easy thing."
Before Chinese athletes headed for Athens, there had been speculation about how far Wang could go as he looked old and slow.
Wang shut up his doubters with an outstanding performance.
Dubbed one of China's greatest marksmen, Wang has immense talent, but what sets him apart is his determination and drive.
Wang's career has ups and downs. Back in 1984, tipped as a gold hopeful, Wang had to settle for a bronze while his teammate Xu Haifeng made history by winning China's first ever Olympic gold in Los Angeles. He peaked in 1992, winning the 10m air pistol gold and the 50m pistol silver.
Wang produced the most heartbreaking story at the 1996 Games in Atlanta, where he collapsed and was taken to hospital after blowing his last shot to miss the gold medal by 0.1 point.
More than two decades have passed since Wang took up the sport in 1977, his Los Angeles teammates have become coaches or shooting administrators, but he is still holding the gun.
Despite the glory in Athens, many say Wang's sporting days are numbered due to his poor health.
Wang, who has been fighting hypoglycemia for years, an ailment which causes dizziness and lack of concentration, is well aware that his physical strength is no match with that of younger competitors, but he believes that his composure and rich experience are valuable as well.
"I have to admit that there is a dramatic change to my body and mind as I am getting older. But I've became sharper with age," said Wang, the father of a 13-year-old girl.
Wang, who had been long yearning for campus life, was admitted in December 2000 to the prestigious Tsinghua University. He said university studies have equipped him with more reason.
"Athletes have to endure huge stress, especially prior to big events. But my studies at Tsinghua have enabled me to keep a balanced mood, in and out of competition," said Wang.
"I stayed calm before the last shot at the Athens Games. I couldn't do that before," he added.
As the Athens Games fades away, Wang has returned to a pleasant routine -- attending the class in the morning and training in the afternoon.
"I didn't drop a single class because of the Olympics. In Tsinghua, I'm a normal student and have no privileges," said Wang.
For Wang, the Olympic journey isn't over, with the possibility of a seventh Olympics looming.
"Some people suggest I retire to make way for young shooters," he said. "But I think everybody is equal in the competition, whatever their ages are.
"So if the country needs me to shoot in 2008, I shall go on." Enditem
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