So far so good. Several senior athletes who participated in Athens are still training and are in good condition. At the same time, junior athletes are growing like mushrooms. The combination of senior and junior athletes will definitely increase the power of Team China.

What are the events that Team China could win gold medals at the Beijing Olympics?

To be honest, I cannot predict the exact number or how many gold medals Team China would win. Let's just wait and see. But one thing that's for sure, we will try our best.

Currently, I can confirm that we have candidates ready for each Olympic-class event. Before, China's sailing team only took part in seven out of eleven events. This is great progress.

Personally, I don't think people should overemphasize or have a high expectation for gold medals. Yes, it is important but the Olympiad is more than gold medals. Participation is also important. Ordinary people are encouraged to participate in the Beijing Olympics. For example, with the help of China Central Television, we have organized a search (China Olympic Coxswain Competition) for coxswains for the men's and women's coxed eight rowing events. This will stimulate public interest and raise interest in rowing and other categories of water sports.

Currently, the short-term goal of China water sports is preparing for the coming Beijing Olympics. What is the long-term goal after the Olympics?

Encouraging ordinary people to participate in sports remains the long-term goal after the Olympics. To be frank, I don't care about how many so-called "elite" athletes China produces to compete in professional games in the post-Olympiad era. Rather, I'm more interested in seeing ordinary people take part in water sports in which they can have fun and build healthy bodies. This, in my opinion, will be much more meaningful.

What do you think about the future of water sports in China?

I'm quite confident about the future of water sports in China. Take sailing for example: I also work with the Chinese Yachting Association (CYA) as Standing Vice President. I think the CYA should be open to more people, from white-collar workers to ordinary people. Make more people have fun. One of the major tasks of the CYA is to offer training courses in sailing on inland lakes for professional people. Moreover, in support of the Volvo Ocean Race In Spring of 2009, we would like to promote sailing and also expand the knowledge of people about Olympic-class dinghy, recreational yachts, and world-class sailing fleets.

Sailing fans will be given an opportunity to operate a boat for pleasure and recreation. As the world's most populous country, China has the largest number of potential sports fans. It would be unprecedented if sailing gained success here in China.